Surveying Merrit's Ditch - the line of the first Welland Canal
Matt Taylor introduced Alun Hughes.
Alun is originally from Wales. He received his Honours Degree in Geography from Cambridge University, England in 1965 and a Diploma in Cartography from the University College of Swansea, Wales in 1967. He is currently a professor at Brock University in the Department of Geography teaching geomatics. His research areas include local history and historical geography, especially in Thorold and the eastern Niagara Peninsula. Alun is married with 2 adult children from his first marriage and 2 younger children from his current marriage. He is involved in local historical/heritage organizations and North American Welsh organizations.
Alun spoke quickly in an effort to get all of his information into a twenty-minute presentation.
The present canal is the 4th. And the route for the second canal followed that of the first canal. The first canal was finally completed in 1833, exiting in Port Colborne. However when it was first opened in 1829 the canal went to Port Robinson, connected with the Welland River / Chippewa Creek and found its way to the Niagara River and then through to Fort Erie.
The purpose of the canal was to provide a secure supply line after the war of 1812. The Americans constructed the Erie Canal in and around the same time for the same reason. The Erie Canal starts in Lake Erie, connects with the Hudson River and winds down to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean.
Before the war of 1812 they used to portage cargo up the Niagara River on the US side. After the war and before the canal a portage route was made on the Canadian side.
The real incentive for the first canal was to provide a reliable source of water to Merrit's mills on Twelve-Mile Creek.
Alun showed us the various competing paths for the canal including a 62 mile one that went from Port Colborne to the Burlington Bay. This was the government proposed route in 1823. It did not meet with Merrit's need so he took matters into his own hands. He and others created the Welland Canal Company in 1823, put out tenders for contractors and started digging in 1823. The initial plan provided for a tunnel for barges instead of an open cut. The need for schooners to traverse the canal and the minor collapses of the tunnel called for a change of plans and paths.
The canal eventually opened in November 1829.
Alun's presentation did take the entire twenty minutes so there was no time for questions.
Rob Welch thanked Alun for his very interesting presentation.