Canal Facts

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Facts About the Miami & Erie Canal...

Survey made 1822.
Construction recommended and necessary legislation passed 1825.
Construction actually started July 25, 1825, near Middletown.
Total costs $8,062,680.
Financed by sale of land granted by government and by issuance of bonds.
Built in sections, total construction covered period 1825 to 1845.
A trip from Cincinnati to Toledo only took three days.
New Bremen had several hotels and boarding facilities to accommodate the canal workers.
The canal was 248.8 miles in length and rose to a summit at Loramie of 512 feet above the Ohio River level.
There were 19 aqueducts, 3 guard locks, 103 lift locks, 3 reservoirs.
Cities and towns along its route were: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, Franklin, Miamisburg, Dayton, Tippecanoe, Troy, Piqua, Minster, New Bremen, St. Marys, Delphos, Defiance, Toledo.
Peak year of operation was 1851 when revenue was $351,897.
Approximately 400 boats were operating at that time.
New Bremen became known for its pork packing industry during this era.
Operation of the canal continued in some degree through 1913, when a massive flood permanently damaged many facilities.
On June 13, 1967 the canal land was ceded to the Village of New Bremen for the purpose of creating a park and recreation area.
The Miami & Erie Canal Corridor Association is headquartered in New Bremen and works to preserve and enhance the canal corridor.