Canal Winchester, Ohio: Ohio Historical Marker – Canal Winchester and the Ohio & Erie Canal

19 South High Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110

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Canal Winchester, Ohio: Ohio Historical Marker – Canal Winchester and the Ohio & Erie Canal

Canal Winchester was on the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which passed through the center of the downtown area. Originally named “Winchester” the village changed its name to Canal Winchester in recognition of the importance of the canal, its influence of the early development and prosperity of the community, and to distinguish it from other towns named Winchester.

Canal Winchester was on the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which passed through the center of the downtown area. Originally named “Winchester” the village changed its name to Canal Winchester in recognition of the importance of the canal, its influence of the early development and prosperity of the community, and to distinguish it from other towns named Winchester.

The Ohio & Erie Canal helped to open the interior of Ohio to trade and settlement and played a part in Winchester's prosperity during the mid-1800s. Local farmers exported grain from the village via the canal and local merchants imported such items as coffee, dishes, and tools for sale. Canal Winchester benefitted from the trade and prosperity that was made possible by the canal in the mid-19th century. Construction of the Ohio and Erie began in 1825. The first canal boat entered Canal Winchester in 1831, and the last in 1901. After many years of decline, the Ohio and Erie Canal was abandoned in 1913, but the canal towpath was used for laying tracks for the Scioto Valley Traction Company that built an interurban line connecting Canal Winchester to Columbus, and other nearby communities. The canal was also used for recreational purposes, including short sightseeing excursions and ice skating in the winter.

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Notes for Travelers

The canal passed through the center of what is today a lively historic commercial district. Although the canal remains are gone, there is an Ohio Historical Marker placed at the location where the canal was located. Another Ohio Historical Marker is located nearby commemorating the interurban line that was built along the canal on the canal towpath. A public parking lot, as well as on street parking is available.



Credits

Jeff Darbee, Nancy Recchie, David Meyer

Additional Resources

Meyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal – Licking Reservoir to Lockbourne and Columbus Feeder

Meyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal in the Scioto River Valley

Canal Winchester Area Historical Society https://www.cwhistory.org/historya>

Full text of Ohio Historical Marker
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=12530