I stood atop the Lockville canal lock #11 in Carroll, Ohio and imagined how the structure worked when it was still operational in mid 1800s. I estimated the canal width to be 15 ft.
The Lockville canal lock #11 is just one of the three locks that are open to the public and found in Lockville Canal Park in Carroll, Ohio. The other two are locks #12 and #13. All these locks were part of a series of canal locks in a 308-mile waterway that connected Lake Erie at Cleveland in the north to the Ohio River at Portsmouth in the south (see red line on the image below). The blue ‘star’ symbol is the location of the Lockville locks.
Less than 100 meters away from lock #11 is lock #12. Compared to #11, lock #12 is showing obvious deterioration and some collapsed portions that are worrisome. I really hope that Fairfield County would look into the degradation, maintain the infrastructure, and not let this great American transportation achievement sink into oblivion.
What’s the purpose of the locks?
Canal locks were used to raise or lower boats and barges that travel between different water levels of the canal. The process was something like this: A boat enters one end of a lock and the gate of the lock is closed. The lock is then filled with water that would cause the boat to raise. Once the boat is raised at a desired level, the opposite gate of the lock is opened and the boat cruises out the other end.
Canal locks were important transportation structures in moving goods along Ohio’s rivers in the 1800s. However, when railroads started to become popular, canal use and maintenance declined in late 1800s. When the sections of the canal were destroyed by a flood in 1913, the state of Ohio decided not to rebuild it.
What’s with the bridge?
In between locks #11 and #12 is the Hartman Covered Bridge, built circa 1888. Initially, it was located in Wheeling Road just northeast of Lancaster, Ohio. It was disassembled and rebuilt between the two locks in 1967.
Where is it located?
Lockville Canal Park
5895 Pickerington Road NW
Carroll, OH 43112
Click this Google Map for direction.
Is there a parking lot?
Yes, there is. In the park, there are also benches and a big shed for gatherings and picnics.
What are the other places to visit nearby?
- Stebelton Rock Mill Park and Waterfall in Lancaster Ohio
- Mid-Ohio Historical Museum
- National Barber Museum & Hall of Fame
