This tablet is erected by the proprietors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, to commemorate its completion on the 17th of October 1829; and to stand as a testimonial of their gratitude to James C. Fisher, President, and Thomas P. Cope, John K. Kane Robert M. Lewis, Isaac C. Jones, Robert Wharton, Thomas Fassitt, John Hemphill, Ambrose White, and William Platt, Directors of the Company. Secretary and Treasurer, Henry D. Gilpin; Engineer in Chief, Benjamin Wright; Engineer Resident, Daniel Livermore; Superintendent, Caleb Newbold Junior.
(Inscription on the left side of the tablet)
The Construction of this canal was begun on the 15th of April, 1824, by Silas E. Weir, the chairman of the first committee of work whose zealous and efficient services to the company terminated with his life on the 14th day of May 1828. He was succeeded by Robert M. Lewis under whose active supervision, the work was continued and finished.In its progress through the Eastern level, large sections of embankment sunk 100 feet below the adjoining surface and the bottom of the excavation rose 10 feet above its natural position. On the Deep Cut more than 375,000 cubic yards of earth slipped from the regulated slopes of the sides and passed into the chamber of the canal.
These and many other difficulties having been overcome, the water was introduced on the 4th of July 1829 and the final accomplishment of this great National work was celebrated on the 17th of October of the same year at which time the navigation was opened.
(Inscription on the right side of the tablet)
Length of the canal, 113 miles. Width of water line 65 feet. Width at bottom 36 feet. Depth of water 10 feet.—-Depth of excavation at Summit 76 ½ feet. Extreme width of section at surface, 366 feet. Excavation from Deep Cut 3,500,000 cubic yards.—-Length of Locks, 100 feet. Width of Locks, 22 feet—-Length of Summit Bridge, 247 feet. Height above bottom of canal, 90 feet. —-Total Cost, 2,250,000 Dollars of which $450,000 was paid by the United States, $100,000 by the state of Pennsylvania, $50,000 by the state of Maryland, $25.000 by the state of Delaware, and the residue by Citizens of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.
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