EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – A piece of Evansville history was recognized today with a sign dedication.
The City of Evansville and the Canal Society of Indiana are honoring the historic Wabash and Erie Canal.
Back in the 1850s, the canal linked the Great Lakes to the Ohio River, providing traders with shipping access all the way to the Gulf.
Over 460 miles long, it was the longest canal ever built in North America.
A sign marker will be placed at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets.
Mayor Stephanie Terry presented a proclamation to recognize the canal’s impact on Evansville’s early development.
“These signs are important because, they’re showing history of the town, how the town developed,” Timothy Miller says. “The canal ran through the middle of town, even the street here on fifth street, they redesigned it to mimic the canal and the bridges that were placed in town.”
Organizers said the marker will help preserve Evansville’s history with future generations.
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