The path you follow was built over 150 years ago. On the trail
today you can see many reminders about Franklin County’s
transportation and commercial history. Here are some points of
interest you will see while walking this trail. There should also
be brochures available to pick up @ the trail head with this
information. Each point of interest on the trail is marked with a
pole.
Low-lying area toward the beginning of trail used to be
“Hendrickson’s Ice Pond”. In the 1800’s there were ice ponds along
the canal. Ice was “harvested” during the winter and stored in ice
houses. Some was used locally but most was shipped to
Cincinnati.
You will see what is left of an old stone wall and a concrete
bridge is visible. These are remains from the old river road that
eventually became part of the highway connecting Brookville with
Indianapolis. This was abandoned when US Route 52 was built.
You will see the Milepost 46 marker on the trail. This is
typical of the markers used by the railroad. This is the marker
indicating that this point is 46 miles from Cincinnati.
Almost @ the end of the trail, the Canal separates from the
Railroad. At this point on the other side of the trail is an
unusual earth structure. Little is known about when or why it was
built, so it is a bit of a mystery for now.
The path of the Whitewater Canal Trail is part of the Whitewater
Canal Historic Site. For more information: wwcshs@cnz.com
765-647-6512.
You can also visit: www.whitewatercanaltrail.com or
canaltrail@brookville47012.com to learn more about the trail.