Program

Historic Transportation

Subject

Industry & Commerce, Site, Transportation

Location

24 Grove St, New Castle, PA 16101, USA

Lat/Long

40.997422, -80.345834

Grant Recipient

Lawrence County Historical Society

In the city of New Castle in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, remnants of a significant, albeit short-lived, mode of transportation in the history and development of the city can still be seen along a portion of Neshannock Creek at the foot of South Mercer Street. At this location, the Erie Extension Canal of the Pennsylvania Canal System crossed through the creek from around 1840 until the canal’s official closing in 1871. Running approximately 136 miles, the Erie Extension Canal linked the Ohio River near Beaver, Pennsylvania to Lake Erie. Also referred to as the Beaver & Erie, the canal facilitated the transportation of goods and people through the western portion of the state, along with the growth and early development of communities along its path, including New Castle.

While the state of Pennsylvania started the canal, it was eventually acquired by the Erie Canal Company. Through its years of operation, the canal continually struggled to compete with railroads, finally contributing to its closing in 1871. The former canal was purchased by the Pennsylvania Central Railroad and by 1873 was filled in. The wall along Neshannock Creek remains as one of the few reminders of this important catalyst in the history of New Castle.