The Morris Canal: An Illustrated History Presented By Tim Roth

Join Tim Roth of the Canal Society of New Jersey on May 21 at 7:30 PM via Zoom as he explores the fascinating history of the Morris Canal, from its inception in the 1820s to its abandonment 100 years later.

The Morris Canal & Banking Company set out to build a canal to move Pennsylvania coal to booming markets on the East Coast. The 102-mile canal stretched from Phillipsburg to Jersey City, climbing 1,674 feet using 23 lift locks and 23 incredible water-powered inclined planes—some lifting boats nearly 100 feet! Mule-drawn boats hauled up to 70 tons of cargo, taking five days to cross the state. At its peak, the canal was a vital artery for coal, iron, and farm goods, fueling New Jersey’s industrial rise.

Learn about the innovative construction, discover how boats navigated, and get a glimpse into the lives of the many people who lived and worked along its banks. In addition, Roth will highlight some of the sites that can still be visited today along the ever-expanding Morris Canal Greenway.

Free registration

 

Presenter Bio

Tim Roth is the Vice President of the Canal Society of New Jersey and serves on the boards of Canal Watch and the Warren County Parks Foundation.

The Canal Society of New Jersey is a non-profit organization formed in 1969 to foster the study of the history of New Jersey’s two towpath canals, preserve and restore canal remains and artifacts, educate the public in the canals’ histories, and provide enjoyment to its members by visiting canals and other historic sites.

 

About DRGP

The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) periodically sponsors lectures about different aspects of the Delaware River's cultural, recreational, and natural heritage. An environmental nonprofit, DRGP supports the Delaware River Scenic Byway, the Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River, the Delaware River Water Trail, and the Delaware River Heritage Trail.

If you enjoyed our Heritage Lectures, please donate https://delawarerivergreenwaypartnership.org/index.php/donate.

To view previous Heritage Lectures, visit our YouTube channel.

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources for funding the spring Heritage Lectures.