• Events & Festivals
      • Annual Events
      • Art & Culture
      • Culinary & Market
      • Entertainment
      • Family Fun
      • Festivals
      • Green Thumb Trail
      • History
      • Lectures & Exhibits
      • Outdoor Recreation
      • Retail & Shopping
      • Wineries & Breweries
      • Venue Rentals
      • The Autumn Experience
      • Tinsel & Traditions Trail
      • Glass Town Countdown
      • New Year’s Eve
      • Submit an Event
    • Things To Do
      • Covered Bridges
      • Outdoor Recreation
        • Hiking
        • Biking
        • Bird Watching
        • Boating
        • Bouldering/Rappelling/Rock Climbing
        • Disc Golf
        • Mountain Biking
        • Fishing
        • Golf
        • Miniature Golf
        • Scuba Diving
        • Swimming
        • Baseball-Softball
        • Basketball
        • Skateboarding
        • Soccer
        • Tennis
        • Pickleball
        • Water Adventures
        • Zipline
      • Explore Our Themed Trails
      • Shopping
      • Parks & Nature
      • Buckeye Lake
      • Art & Culture
      • Museums
      • Family Fun
      • Fun On The Farm
      • History & Heritage
      • Health & Wellness
      • Route 33 Brew Trail
      • Games & Virtual Activities
      • Trail of Scarecrows
      • Tinsel and Traditions Trail
    • Where To Stay
      • Hotels & Motels
      • Bed & Breakfasts
      • Cabins, Cottages + More
      • Campgrounds
    • Where To Eat & Drink
      • Tastes of Fairfield County
      • Wineries & Breweries
      • Coffee Houses
      • Sweets & Treats
      • Pizza
      • Casual Dining
      • Fast Food
    • Plan Your Trip
      • Visit Fairfield County App
      • Pickerington
      • Lancaster
      • Explore Our Trails
      • Tying The Knot
      • Staycation Ideas
      • Getaway Packages
      • Blog
      • In The News
      • Meeting Spaces
      • Transportation
      • Visitor Center
      • Contact Us
      • VIP Wristbands
      • Explorer Map
      • Tours
    Sign in

    Millersport and The Ohio-Erie Canal Historical Marker

    • Profile
    • prev
    • next
    • Bookmark
    • Share
    • prev
    • next
    Description

    Digging of the Ohio-Erie Canal began in 1825, and the first canal boat navigated the Deep Cut at Licking Summit in 1831. The surrounding swamps were drained to create the Licking Reservoir, today known as Buckeye Lake, in order to supply adequate water for the canal going north to Coshocton and south to Circleville. After the canal route was established, the state engineers discovered that there was a ridge of hills located south of the proposed reservoir through which they would have to cut the canal. Since it was impossible to raise the level of the reservoir, the ridge had to be cut down to the level of the reservoir. This "Deep Cut" marks the deepest part of the canal at 32 feet and runs south from Millersport for nearly two miles. Unskilled laborers, primarily Irish immigrants, tirelessly dug the canal using picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, and oxen-cart.

    In 1825, Mathias Miller settled in the region just north of the prosperous town of Monticello. Millersport grew from Miller's idea to build a wharf at the side of the canal to create a port for canal boats. Located in the region between Licking Reservoir and the northern entrance of the Deep Cut, Millersport flourished as canal trade increased, however, Monticello's location on high ground spelled its doom. Traveling by canal, Millersport is 191 miles from Cleveland and 117miles from Portsmouth. During its peak years, as many as 3,000 canal boats utilized the canal. With the insurgence of the railroad system and a major flood in 1914 that damaged a portion of the waterway, the canal system was abandoned.

    Marker Sponsors: Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Millersport Lions Club, and The Ohio Historical Society

    Region
    • Millersport
    • Buckeye Lake Region
    Gallery
    Millersport and The Ohio-Erie Canal Historical Marker
    Categories
    • History & Heritage
    • Things To Do
    • Art & Culture
    • Buckeye Lake
    Tags
    • FC Ohio Historical Marker Trail
    • Canal Heritage Trail

    You May Also Be Interested In

    Miller House Antiques

    Miller House Antiques specializes in 18th and 19th century American antiques with original paint and attic…
    • 614-833-2521
    Miller House Antiques
    • Things To Do
    • +1

    Carroll Cup Coffee House

    A coffee shop in the village of Carroll. Coming soon in mid-2022!
    Carroll Cup Coffee House
    • Things To Do
    • +2

    Residence - 125 East Wheeling Street: 1836,1840

    Classic revival, built around and incorporating the original log house, constructed in 1836 by Henry Orman…
    Residence - 125 East Wheeling Street: 1836,1840
    • Things To Do
    • +1

    Blue Art Mural

    This mural was created by artist Liviu Poleuca. It is located on the west side of the building.
    Blue Art Mural
    • Things To Do
    • +1

    Residence - 147 East Wheeling Street: 1875

    Mid-Victorian in style, excellent wide cornice board, constructed by Henry Orman.
    Residence - 147 East Wheeling Street: 1875
    • Things To Do
    • +1

    Hometown Hot Dogs

    Where else can you find gourmet hot dogs? At Hometown Hot Dogs, you’ll find delicious homemade food for…
    • 740-467-1310
    Hometown Hot Dogs
    • Where To Eat & Drink
    • +2
    Contact Us
    • Email
      info@visitfairfieldcounty.org
    • Phone
      1 (800)-626-1296
    • Address
      158 W. Wheeling Street, Lancaster, OH 43130

    Your safety and wellbeing remains our top priority. As some hotels, restaurants and attractions continue to operate with adjusted schedules, please call ahead to confirm business hours and event details. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional.

    © Fairfield County Ohio Visitors and Convention Bureau | Privacy | Cookies

    Cart

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • WhatsApp
      • Telegram
      • LinkedIn
      • Tumblr
      • VKontakte
      • Mail
      • Copy link
      Experience Fairfield County from your inbox each month!

      Sign up for updates below:


      Email Lists *