Canal Papers

2013 Bicentennial Celebration

 

Record Series Canal Papers
Sample of Records View a sample record
Dates 1831-1845; 1855; 1872-1874; 1881; 1903; 1924
Location Warren County Records Storage & Archives
Format Handwritten documents in archival folders
Arranged Chronological by group: claims, expenditures and bonds
Volume 0.5 cubic ft
Department County Clerk
Legal Restrictions None
Use Restrictions Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies
Historical Background These papers deal mainly with the Glens Falls Feeder Dam and Canal and Section 2 of the Champlain Canal. The primary purpose of the Glens Falls Feeder Canal was to provide extra water during dry summer months to the Champlain Canal. The canal was also used to transport lumber, lime, bricks and produce from the Glens Falls area to Lake Champlain and cities along the Hudson River from Albany south to New York City. These papers document claims arising from the building of the feeder dam in 1831 and the enlargement of the feeder canal and dam in 1843-1845. Most claims are for flooding above the feeder dam and for such things as new bridge abutments when the canal was widened. The expenditures cover wages and the cost of materials for canal repairs and operations. The bonds are performance bonds in connection with work on the canal.
Description of Record Series This record series is divided into three groups: Claims for damages 1831-1881 with major gaps; Expenditures to cover labor and materials for canal repair and operation between 1872 and 1874; and Bonds dated 1903 and 1924 in connection with work on the canal and its bridges.
Purpose of Record To document legal claims against the Board of Canal Appraisers and the monthly expenditures of the Champlain and Feeder canals.
Other Formats Complimentary papers exist in the Washington County archives for expenditures of the canal in the period 1872-1874.
Finding Aids Name index to all individual claimants who filed claims from 1831-1881. Index of lock tenders only from expenditure sheet (April 1 to May 31, 1872). Series locations on inventory database.
Related Series Maps - Misc.