The Delaware and Hudson Canal

History a British blockade preceding the War of 1812 cut off the supply of imported bituminous coal led to the commercial development of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal fields. But transporting the anthracite from the mines to coastal markets was a problem; a water route would be required given the weight of the coal and the poor condition of the roads.

The 108-mile 108-lock waterway operated from 1828 until 1898 transforming the economic landscape, as towns and villages sprang up along its route, and industries developed to exploit local resources such as lumber, agricultural products, and bluestone. The discovery of natural cement near High Falls in 1825 spawned the Rosendale cement industry, whose product was widely used in construction projects, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

The Story of Mobility in America

Maritime Museums in Historic Towns

The High Falls - 16 through 20 - five locks were built in 1847, as part of a new route designed to accommodate increased traffic and larger canal boats.  This section also included a loading quay, still visible just past lock 16. The canal locks were constructed of Shawangunk conglomerate, an indigenous stone.  Each lock measured 90’ long, 15’ wide, and 15’ deep, and provided an average change in elevation of 12.6’. A leader in 19^th century technology, the D&H Canal Company is associated with such innovations as:

the D&H Gravity Railroad designed by John Jervis to transport coal over a mountainous region;

Wire suspension aqueduct by John Roebling, a technology he later used in the Brooklyn Bridge;

Anthracite Canals created a steady supply of inexpensive coal—which then fueled America’s Industrial Revolution. Steam-powered factories burned anthracite coal, and began to manufacture products such as glass, earthenware, beer and spirits, replacing the work of artisans.

The D&H Canal Historical Society maintains a Canal Museum and Five Locks Walk trail to preserve canal-era artifacts, and document the canal’s creation, operation, and importance as an engine of economic development in the region and beyond.

Connect for Travel to High Falls New York and the Delaware & Hudson Canal

Kingston New York

Industry and Commerce along the Delaware Canal and Hudson River              

Located 91 miles (146 km) north of New York City, Kingston was New York's first capital in 1777; in the 19^th century, the city was a transport hub, with rail and canal connections. The city has three historic districts: Stockade, the Midtown Broadway Corridor, and Rondout West Strand downtown.

Kingston Landing is a short navigable distance from the Hudson River and the point of reference for coal shipments and bluestone via the Delaware and Hudson Canal.

Kingston Albany and New York City were the three major Dutch Settlements on the Hudson River

In the early 1800s, four sloops plied the river from Kingston to New York. By 1829, steamers made the trip to Manhattan in a little over twelve hours, usually travelling by night.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is located at 50 Rondout Landing at the foot of Broadway along the old waterfront. Its collections are devoted to the history of shipping and industry on the Hudson. In the early 1800s, four sloops plied the river from Kingston to New York. By 1829, steamers made the trip to Manhattan in a little over twelve hours, usually travelling by night.

Industry and Commerce the Delaware and Hudson Canal brought an influx of laborers to manage the coal terminal and the Newark Lime and Cement Company shipped cement throughout the United States. Also, large warehouses of ice sat beside the Hudson River from which the ice was cut during the winter and preserved all year to be used in early refrigeration. Large brick making factories were also located close to this shipping hub. Rondout's central location as a shipping hub ended with the advent of railroads.

The Rondout neighborhood is known for its artists' community and its numerous art galleries

Transit Kingston CitiBus provides service within the city and to Port Ewen and commuter service is available by bus to New York City. Amtrak Rail Terminals are located 11 miles (20 km) and 17 miles (30 km) away in Poughkeepsie. Stewart International Airport is 39 miles (62.8 km) south in Newburgh. Weekend water taxi service between Kingston and Rhinecliff. The Catskill Mountain Railroad, a scenic railroad company, runs trains from Kingston. Ongoing projects connect Kingston's three neighborhoods with a combination of rail trails, bike lanes and complete streets connections.