Existing comment:
Canal Gates
These lock gates and miter sill are the remains of the lower gate assembly for Lock 1. They were constructed in 1820 to replace the original gates and sill that had been installed in 1802 when the canal became operational. The sill and frames for the lock gates were built from white oak and face with planks cut from yellow pine. The gates were originally coated with pitch while the miter sill was sheathed in tar paper to prevent decay.
Each gate hinge post fit into hollow stone channels in the lock walls called quoins. The gates pivoted on iron pins at the bottom of the quoins and were held upright by iron collars at the top of the hinge posts. The miter sill rested at the bottom of the lock pen and provided a stop for the gates. By meeting at an angle, the gates were designed to resist the strait from the water. When closed, the weight of the water forced them tightly against the quoins and sill, allowing the water to leak past. |