Ohio & Erie Canal Southern Descent Historic District NRHP Nomination

Various Sites in Southern Ohio

Why

The Ohio & Erie Canal was originally constructed in the 1820’s and 1830’s and conveyed goods from Portsmouth to Cleveland. The canal system played a critical role in the early development of Ohio and established the growth of Akron, Columbus, Chillicothe, Newark, and numerous other cities along the route. The canal system was the key transportation system up until proliferation of railroads in the 1860’s.

Although parts of the canal are on the national register, much of the southern portion is not. This nomination covers many of the lock structures and other remaining infrastructure that remain on the southern descent between Columbus and Portsmouth.

How

The nomination team aggregated a list of potential infrastructure to be placed on the register and contacted private property owners or municipalities to seek support. The final list includes existing lock structures, watered canals, bridge abutments, and other elements that are located in 4 counties throughout Central and Southern Ohio.

Identifying the location for each the elements included field visits and the use of high resolution aerial photography. A boundary was created for each element which will serve as the official historic site on the National Register of Historic Places.

What

Given its geographic reach and broad collection of relatively small sites, this nomination was technically challenging. However, it serves as a model for other non-contiguous district nominations that preserve transportation, infrastructure, or other geographically complex historic sites.

Client

Canal Partners

Team

Cathy Nelson, Fairfield County Park District, Village of Lockbourne, City of Groveport, Pickaway County Historical Society, Pickaway County Park District, Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail, Village of Baltimore, David Meyer, Benjamin D. Rickey, Designing Local

Services

Historic Preservation

People

Matt Leasure