Description
The Schuylkill Navigation System, more commonly know today as the Schuylkill Canal, was opened in 1825 as a 108 mile long system of canals (reaches), locks, and slack-water sections on the Schuylkill River that enable navigation from Port Carbon, PA to Philadelphia. Initially, it was used to transport anthracite coal, but soon, its importance grew as it was used to transport other raw materials as well as manufactured goods to and from Philadelphia. The Schuylkill Canal was primarily responsible for growth of our area and was the main factor in the development of Spring City. The canal was operational until 1931, when maintenance challenges and competition from the railroads caused its demise. Remnants of the canal system can still be seen all over our area today, most evident as Lock 60 and the Lock Tender's House in Mont Clare, PA. Karen Rodemich Roman, who serves on the board of directors of the Schyulkill Canal Association, has compiled a multitude of photgraphs in this book. Her accompanying narrative serves to convey the history and importance of the Schuylkill Canal. Copyright 2015. 128 pages.
