The Weighlock Building

1850-1915

This Greek-revival building was one of several weigh stations along the Canal used to levy the tolls for barges carrying merchandise and farm goods.

Until 1850 freight cargoes were measured by the displacement theory, but this hydraulic type worked with scales rather than displacement. After a boat entered the lock and came to rest on a wooden cradle, certain rods transferred the weight along a series of levers to the beam of the scales inside the Weighlock building. The Weigh Master moved a center balancing weight along the beam which determined the weight of the loaded boat.

The Weighlock was no longer needed in the late 1800's because the State abolished tolls in order to compete with the railroads.

Marker is on 2nd Avenue (New York Route 32) north of 26th Street, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB