The "Short Level" of the Miami and Erie Canal
To the left is the "Short Level" of the Miami and Erie Canal. The canal extension from Dayton to Toledo was completed in 1837. Linking the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. Travel took only five days to Toledo and six days to Cincinnati. The canal quickly became an important line of transportation. It led to the development of the wilderness and to many prosperous towns along its course. The huge Grand Lake Saint Marys was constructed as a reservoir of water to float the boats to their destinations. Today this section of the canal serves as a source of water to many industries and like the lake is maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Launched in 1990 the beautiful Belle of Saint Marys is a replica of an original canal boat.
Marker can be reached from Spring Street (Ohio Route 29) west of South Chestnut Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
