Diamond Jubilee: Indiana Central Canal

After being impressed by Indy's amazing central mall and architecture, AQ and I walked toward the Central Canal - highly recommended for visitors to the city.

The Indiana Central Canal was a canal intended to connect the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River. It was funded by the Mammoth Internal Improvement Act, Indiana's attempt to take part in the canal-building craze started by the Erie Canal. $3.5 million was allocated for the project, the largest piece of the entire $10 million Act. However, due to the Panic of 1837, Indiana suffered financial difficulties and had to turn the canal over to the state's creditors, and building of the canal was stopped in 1839. The canal was supposed to extend 296 miles, from Peru, Indiana, to Evansville, Indiana, where it would reach the Ohio River. It was originally divided into two sections, North and South. Later, a third section was designated, called the Indianapolis section. Only eight miles were completed, with an additional 80 miles between Anderson, Indiana, and Martinsville, Indiana, having been partially built.

(Wikipedia)

As it turns out, Indiana's big project-gone-bust only completed the part of the canal that passes through Indianapolis. Although some was lost to history (and highways), what remains has become a beautiful linear park. I had no idea the city held such a lovely place to walk. Canals for me are such an East Coast phenomenon - I never expected one "in the middle".

At the site of some old locks, a circular basin marks the start of the downtown section. A long portion of the old canal extends north of the city. The connection between the two was destroyed by the construction of an interstate interchange - what a loss.

We continued through some lovely (new) residential neighborhoods. It appeared to be a very appealing (and expensive) place to live.

What would a canal be without some gondolas?

Closer to the end of the canal it passes by the Indiana State museum.

After the museum, the canal becomes a reflecting pool through the lawn of River State Park.

Finally, the channel reaches White River with a set of locks. They are located right next to a stunning pedestrian bridge connecting the museum district with the zoo. The bridge is filled with modern art.

July 2021

The Central Canal was a complete surprise for AQ and me. It honestly felt like Indy could not get any better. Looking on the map it is a shame the (-65 interchange destroyed some of the canal, otherwise the downtown section could connect with the remaining portion (much longer) north of the city - another linear park that links some suburbs to downtown. Such relics of past ages are assets that cities often underestimate, overlook, and, sadly, erase.

Indianapolis is much more than the capital of the state. How did I not know it?