When you think of Columbus, a bustling canal system might not be the first thing that comes to mind.
But back in the 19th century, canals were all the rage, and Columbus wasn’t about to be left high and dry. Enter the Columbus Feeder Canal, a 12-mile stretch of waterway that played a crucial role in connecting Ohio’s capital to the grand Ohio and Erie Canal. While it’s now a forgotten piece of history, the canal once flowed with goods, water, and dreams of prosperity.
The Birth of the Canal Era
In the early 1800s, America was a nation on the move. But with rough, muddy roads and the absence of railroads, moving goods was no easy feat. That’s where the canal system came in—a series of man-made waterways that connected cities and towns, making trade and travel more efficient. Ohio, always one to join the latest trend, jumped on the canal bandwagon in a big way.
Columbus needed a way to tap into this new network, and the Columbus Feeder Canal was the answer. Construction kicked off in 1827, with the goal of linking the bustling capital to the Ohio and Erie Canal at the small town of Lockbourne, just 11 miles to the south. The canal was completed four years later, and in September 1831, the first canal boat chugged into Columbus, bringing with it a wave of excitement—and economic growth.
A Ride on the Columbus Feeder Canal
Imagine for a second that you’re leisurely floating down a 40-foot-wide, 4-foot-deep canal, pulled along by horses or mules at a blazing top speed of five miles per hour. Sure, it wasn’t the fastest way to travel, but it was cheap and efficient—a win for farmers, manufacturers, and merchants alike.
The canal made it possible to transport goods like corn, wheat, flour, and even whiskey (lots and lots of whiskey) from Columbus to the Ohio and Erie Canal, where they could then travel to markets near and far. And it wasn’t just about moving products—the canal also provided much-needed water power for mills and factories along its route.
Lockbourne, the town where the Columbus Feeder Canal met the Ohio and Erie Canal, became a lively hub. Taverns sprang up to serve the thirsty canallers (and probably a few bottles of that locally produced whiskey), and the town thrived on the bustling trade the canal brought.
The Canal’s Heyday and Decline
For a time, the canal was a game-changer for Columbus and the surrounding areas. But the golden age of canals was short-lived. By the 1850s, the steam engine was taking the world by storm, and railroads were starting to crisscross the nation. In 1851, the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati railroad line opened, and suddenly, canals seemed like yesterday’s news.
Trains were faster, more reliable, and could operate year-round without worrying about floods or ice. The writing was on the wall for the Columbus Feeder Canal. Boats continued to use the canal for a few more decades, but by 1904, it was officially abandoned.
A Quiet Legacy
Today, the Columbus Feeder Canal is just a memory, with only a few remnants like the lock structures in Lockbourne to remind us of its once-important role. But for a few decades, it was a vital artery for commerce and growth, helping to shape the city of Columbus as we know it today.
So, next time you’re navigating the streets of Columbus or visiting the quiet town of Lockbourne, take a moment to imagine the slow, steady pace of a canal boat making its way down the water. It’s a small, but fascinating, chapter in the story of how Ohio—and America—grew and thrived.
