Duck Creek Aqueduct
Sample Chapter
Driving the Canals and Rivers Auto Trail
Erected by:
National Historical Civil Engineering Landmark 1992
Located:
South of Canal, East End of Main Street, Metamora, Indiana (#11 on Metamora Map)
Text and History:
Duck Creek Aqueduct is the only aqueduct that remains of over a hundred that once existed in the U.S. The poplar trusses rest on limestone abutments, the siding is also poplar and the roof would originally have been shingled. The aqueduct was built in 1843, destroyed by flood and rebuilt in 1847. The floor now has a metal sheathing over the planked bed. The two openings on each side release water into Duck Creek and help control the water level of the canal.
Brief History by the Author
The Duck Creek Aqueduct is the oldest covered bridge style aqueduct remaining in the United States. Constructed by the Whitewater Canal Company, the structure replaced the original open trough aqueduct that washed out in a flood in 1847. The builder of the bridge used a covered bridge that was under construction and adapted it to the current design. The aqueduct carries the waters of the Whitewater Canal over Duck Creek before it empties into the Whitewater River. It measures approximately ninety feet long, twenty-five feet wide, and twenty-five feet deep. The aqueduct deteriorated through disuse and abandonment. The state of Indiana restored it to the present condition in 1949, a project begun in 1946. The National Register of Historic Places listed it in 2014.
Whitewater Canal Company
Authorized by the Internal Improvements Act of 1836, the State of Indiana authorized the company to build the Whitewater Canal. The company formed because of a meeting from representatives from Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Randolph, Union, and Wayne counties in 1822. They appointed seven commissioners to oversee the company. The company sold 40,000 shares of stock at $25 per share. The State of Indiana granted the Company 1.4 million dollars in the budget of the Internal Improvements Act of 1836.
Vendor's Outlet Mall 1305 North Lincoln St
Greensburg, Indiana, IN 47420
(812) 716-2242
Available in multiple ebook formats and softbound
Wholesale Pricing Available
For more information, contact:
Mossyfeetbooks@gmail.com
Orders over $50.00 Free Shipping
Indiana Places
Abes Beer Garden
Stories of American History
Mossy Feet Books
YouTube
Paul Wonning's Books on Amazon Page
Paul Wonning's Books on Smashwords Page
Paul Wonning's Books on Apple
Paul Wonning's Books on Kobo
Paul Wonning's Books on Barnes and Noble
Paul Wonning's Books on Createspace
Paul Wonning's Books on Google Play
© 2017 Paul Wonning
