The Hocking Valley Canal: A Journey Through Time

Early Visions (1823–1838)

The story begins in 1823, when the Ohio Legislature authorized a canal “side cut” to link southeastern Ohio to the expanding canal network. This effort would eventually transform the Hocking Valley by opening access to major trade routes.

Built by Hand (1838–1843)

In 1838, the State of Ohio purchased the canal project for $61,000. Construction began immediately, and over 12 years, laborers dug a 60-mile canal from Carroll to Athens, featuring:
        • 22 sandstone locks
        • 9 culverts
        • Canal width: 40 ft (top), 26 ft (bottom)
        • Depth: 4 ft
        • Lock size: 90 ft x 15 ft

First Canal Boat launched: September 1840
Full Operation: By late 1841, canal boats ran from Carroll to Athens.

A Lifeline for Commerce (1843–1873)

The canal fueled the growth of Athens County and surrounding towns:
         • Enabled transport of coal, salt, timber, and agricultural goods.
         • Linked local markets to Cleveland, Buffalo, New York, and the Ohio River.
         • Boosted towns like Logan, Nelsonville, Haydenville, Sugar Grove, and Carroll.
It was a vital artery in Ohio’s economy, transporting goods north to the Great Lakes and south to New Orleans.

Civil War Impact: Morgan’s Raiders (1863)

During the Civil War, Morgan’s Raiders passed through Athens County. In Nelsonville, they:
         • Burned a covered bridge over the Hocking River.
         • Destroyed 11 canal boats.
         • Spared one that served as a family’s home.
This marked a violent moment in the otherwise peaceful history of the canal.

Decline & Closure (1873–1894)

The canal faced two major challenges:
         • Railroad Expansion: Faster and more efficient, railroads outpaced canal travel.
         • Flood Damage:
              o 1873 & 1874: Floods heavily damaged locks and dams.
              o 1894: Final flood sealed the canal’s fate.
Last dredge boat was sold for scrap in Logan.
Last steam-powered boat ran aground near Sugar Grove.

Remnants and Natural Legacy

Though no longer in use, the canal’s legacy lives on:
         • Towpaths and canal beds remain visible along the Hocking River
         • Areas have returned to wetlands, home to beaver, waterfowl, and diverse plant life.

Stone aqueducts and locks still stand:
         • Oldtown Creek Aqueduct (Logan)
         • Haydenville Aqueduct
         • Haydenville Lock & Sheep Pen Lock (near Rockbridge)

Interpretive Signs mark the route in Logan on Gallagher Ave., West Second St., West Front St., and South Front St.
The Hocking Valley Canal is more than history—it's a community treasure.