Ohio History Journal

Annual Meeting Ohio Valley Historical Association.      415

 

may be mentioned Hugh Henry Brackenridge, the author of a satirical

romance entitled "Modern Chivalry," in which he sarcastically depicts

the political conditions of his time. "The Pittsburgh Gazette," the first

newspaper printed west of the Alleghany mountains, contains in its early

columns a number of contributions from the pen of this versatile son

of Princeton, who had been a classmate of James Madison, who at a

later time became President of the United States. Brackenridge had un-

bounded faith in the future of the Ohio Valley, and he used his influence,

not merely as a prophet, but as a very active politician and lawyer, to

bring about the realization of the dreams which he had dreamed. One

hundred and fifty years have passed since Hugh Henry Brackenridge

prophesied, and it is interesting today to those who take the trouble to

read what he wrote, to see how even far beyond his fondest fancies has

been the issue of events.

It would be to me a fascinating task in detail to sketch to you

how influences of various sorts have been woven together to bring

about those conditions which we see at present. The portion assigned

to me, however, has been in a few words to tell of the early beginnings

of the settlement of the Valley. There is no time for me to do more

than I have done, with a few bold strokes to recall to memory the

stirring deeds from 1752 to 1787, in which in rapid succession we see

the Virginian Cavalier and the Pennsylvanian uniting to expel the chiv-

alry of France from the coveted valley, and then turning to contend

between themselves for the possession of the gateway of the West; to

picture to you the sturdy advance of the pioneer settlers, men whose

implements were the rifle and the axe, to remind you of the warfare

which they waged with the wild men of the forest and with the obdurate

might of sullen Nature, to show how with that culture which comes

through the plow there came the culture which comes through the

printed Word, and how thus foundations were laid by the hands and

the heads and the hearts of men for that triumphant civilization which

has taken possession of the vast domain. New England has her tradi-

tions of Plymouth Rock, Virginia of her Jamestown, New York of her

early life on the banks of the Hudson; but no less consecrated and no

less stirring are the traditions which linger along the shores of what the

poetic Frenchman called "la belle riviere," the fair Ohio, the shining

waters of which flow past this historic town.

 

SKETCH OF OHIO RIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

COLONEL JOHN L. VANCE, Columbus.

President Ohio Valley Improvement Association.

It is impossible in the limits of a paper for such an occasion as

this to go into a detailed statement of the various movements looking

to the improvement of the Ohio. A brief summary, only, may be given.

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416        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

In 1784 we find specific suggestions made of the value of the

Ohio to the trade and commerce of the United States in a letter from

Washington to Governor Harrison of Virginia, in which he suggested

the connection of the Ohio and the Potomac by the way of Wills

Creek. These words are used by Washington: "The Western States,

I speak now from my own observation, stand as it were upon a pivot.

The touch of a feather would turn them either way. They have looked

down the Mississippi until the Spaniards, very impolitically for them-

selves, I think, have thrown difficulties in their way. * * * These

causes have, hitherto, checked the industry of the present settlers. * *

But smooth the road and make easy for them, and see what an influx

of articles will be poured in upon us; how amazingly our exports will

be increased by them, and how amply we shall be compensated for any

trouble and expense we may encounter to effect it."

Later, Washington recommends the survey of the Ohio and its

affluents in these words: "The navigation of the Ohio being known,

they will have less to do in the examination of it. But, nevertheless,

let the courses and distances of the river be taken to the mouth of the

Muskingum and up that river, notwithstanding it is in the ceded lands

to the carrying places of the Cuyahoga. * * * In a word, let the

waters East and West of the Ohio, which invite our notice by their

proximity and by the ease with which land transportation may be had

between them and the lakes on the one side and the Potomac and

James on the other, be explored, delineated accurately, and a correct

and connected map of the whole be presented to the public."

Again, he wrote: "I could not help taking a more extensive view

of the vast inland navigation of these United States from maps and

from the information of others, and could not but be struck with the

immense extent and importance of it and the goodness of that Provi-

dence which has dealt its favors to us with so profuse a hand. Would

to God we may have wisdom to improve them."

While Washington looked to the general improvement of the entire

system of inland waterways, his letters to Governor Harrison and

Thomas Jefferson make it plain that, in his view, the first inland water-

way improvement would be in the connection of the Ohio and the

Potomac and the James Rivers.

As early as 1804, the Legislature of Kentucky incorporated a com-

pany organized for the purpose of constructing the Louisville and Port-

land Canal, to avoid the falls of the Ohio. Although contracts were

let for the work, it was not begun until 1825, and not until December,

1830, was the canal opened for navigation.

In 1820, Congress made an appropriation for a survey of the Ohio

from Louisville to the Mississippi River. This survey was made by

Captains Young and Poussin of the Topographical Engineers and Lieu-

tenant Tuttle of the Engineers. In 1824, an appropriation of $75,000

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Annual Meeting Ohio Valley Historical Association.       417

 

was made for the improvement of certain sand bars in the Ohio, and

for the removal of snags from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Dur-

ing the following year, Major Long, of the Topographical Engineers,

began the construction of the first dike on the Ohio at Henderson, Ky.

In 1830, work was begun on the removal of rocks at Grand Chain;

and dikes at Scuffletown, Sisters, and French and Cumberland Islands

were constructed in 1831 and 1832. The first permanent work above the

Falls was the dams at Browns Island, constructed in 1836. The con-

struction of dikes and cut off dams was in pursuance of the project

of regulation of depths by closing island chutes and by narrowing the

channel by dikes projecting from the bank in order to concentrate

the water upon bars to cause their removal. This method of improve-

ment was carried on at many places until the practical discontinuance

of appropriations for the Ohio in 1844. From 1845 to 1866 only two

appropriations were made, one of which was quite small, and the other

only $95,000. Upon the resumption of appropriations in 1866, the method

of improvement by work of contraction was resumed, and with the re-

moval of snags, wrecks, and other obstructions, and the cutting of

channels by dredging, this plan is still in use. Ice harbors have also

been constructed at various points above the Falls.

It was recognized at an early date that to improve the river to

accommodate the existing commerce, a system of locks and dams must

be inaugurated. The first recorded proposition for this purpose was

made by Mr. W. Milnor Roberts, Civil Engineer, in 1870. In 1874,

Major W. E. Merrill, Corps of Engineers, recommended the construc

tion of 13 locks and movable dams with Chanoine wickets between Pitts-

burgh and Wheeling, and stated that there is no doubt of the absolute

necessity of using locks in any rational plan of improving the Upper

Ohio. In 1875, Major Merrill expressed himself in favor of extending

the movable dam system throughout the entire river. In 1875, the sum

of $100,000 was appropriated, "to be used for and applied toward the

construction of a movable dam, or a dam with adjustable gates, for the

purpose of testing substantially the best method of improving, perma-

nently, the navigation of the Ohio River and its tributaries."  This

dam was constructed at Davis Island, and was opened for traffic October

7, 1885.

In 1895, the Ohio Valley Improvement Association was organized.

The apparent neglect of the Ohio River caused the formation of this

Association, which has labored assiduously in behalf of the permanent

improvement of the river from Pittsburgh to Cairo by a system of

locks and dams. It was thought at first that 6 feet of water would

accommodate the traffic, present and prospective.  It was found that

more water would be required, and the plan was changed (in 1902) to

9 feet.

Vol. XVIII- 27.

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418        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Beginning with 1890, appropriations have been made for thirteen

other locks and dams. The act of June 3, 1896, authorized a survey

from Pittsburgh to Marietta and a report as to the number of movable

dams necessary to provide 6 feet of water at low water. This report

provided for a system of 18 locks between the points named.

The act of March 3, 1899, provided for a survey between Marietta

and the mouth of the Big Miami. The report of this survey provided

for 19 additional locks and dams-a total of 37 to cover the river from

Pittsburgh to the mouth of the Big Miami. Special surveys have been

made from time to time at various locations, for use in connection with

the general improvement of the river.

The river and harbor act of June 13, 1902, provided for an examina-

tion at and below Pool No. 1, with a view of securing increased depth

and additional harbor facilities for the city of Pittsburgh. A Board of

Officers of the Corps of Engineers (ordered to consider and report

upon this matter) was of the opinion that to meet the demands of

traffic a depth of 9 feet should be provided from Davis Island (Lock

No. 1) to Lock No. 7. The act of March 3, 1905, appropriated funds

for securing a stage of 9 feet in the pools made by Dams Nos. 2, 3, 4,

5, and 6, by a modification of these locks and dams.

The most important legislation in behalf of the Ohio River was

contained in the act of Congress approved March 3, 1905, as follows:

"The Secretary of War is hereby authorized and directed to appoint

a board of engineers to examine the Ohio River, and report at the

earliest date by which a thorough examination can be made, the neces-

sary data with reference to the canalization of the river, and the approxi-

mate location and number of locks and dams in such river, with a view

both to a depth of six feet and nine feet; and in said report shall in-

clude the probable cost of such improvement with each of the depths

named, the probable cost of maintenance, and the present and prospective

commerce of said river, upstream as well as downstream, having regard

to both local and through traffic. They shall also report whether, in

their opinion, such improvement should be made, and whether other

plans of improvement could be devised under which the probable de-

mands of traffic, present and prospective, could be provided for without

additional locks and dams, or with a less number than is described in

surveys heretofore made, giving general details relating to all of said

plans and the approximate cost of completion thereof. They shall also

examine the said river from the mouth of the Green River to Cairo,

with a view to determining whether an increased depth can be main-

tained by use of dredges."

In conformity with this act, the Secretary of War appointed the

following officers as members of such Board: Lieut.-Colonel D. W.

Lockwood, Lieut.-Colonel Ernest H. Ruffner, Lieut.-Colonel Clinton B.

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Annual Meeting Ohio Valley Historical Association.      419

 

Sears, Major Geo. A. Zinn, and Major Wm. L. Sibert. Captain Harry

Burgess was the Recorder of the Board.

This Board most thoroughly performed the important duties com-

mitted to it, and on the 15th of December, 1906, made an exhaustive

report. I must be content to quote the closing paragraph:

"In view of the enormous interests to be benefited by continuous

navigation on the Ohio River, and the great development which may be

expected from such increased facilities, the Board is of the opinion

that the Ohio River should be improved by means of locks and dams

to provide a depth of 9 feet from Pittsburgh to Cairo."

As provided by law, this report was referred to the Board of

Engineers for Rivers and Harbors for review, i. e., Colonel H. M.

Adams, Colonel Chas. E. L. B. Davis, Colonel R. L. Hoxie, Lieut.-

Colonel C. McD. Townsend, and Major E. Eveleth Winslow. This

Board made a personal inspection of the river and held a public hear-

ing at Pittsburgh, and on the 18th of October, 1907, filed its report,

from which I quote the concluding paragraphs:

"The General Government has expended large sums in improving

the various tributaries of the Ohio. The utility of these improvements is

dependent on the navigability of the main stream. The proposed im-

provement of the Ohio River will create a vast system of water com-

munication penetrating one of the most populous and prosperous sec-

tions of the United States. Even in its unimproved condition the river

has a marked effect on rail freight rates, the cheap rates quoted in the

report as prevailing between New Orleans and Louisville, Cincinnati,

and Pittsburgh being directly traceable to its influence. Its effect on

rail freight rates will be greatly increased if the proposed improvements

are carried out.

"For these reasons the Board is of the opinion that the improve-

ment of the Ohio River by locks and movable dams so as to secure a

depth of 9 feet as recommended in the report of the special board is

worthy of being undertaken by the United States.

"In making this recommendation the Board realizes that it is sug-

gesting a plan for river improvement on a scale not hitherto attempted

in this country, but it believes that there will probably be in the near

future a popular demand for the improvement of several streams on

such a scale. On account of the large commercial development of its

shores and its connection with the lower Mississippi now maintained

in a navigable condition the Ohio River is, in the opinion of the Board,

the one river of all others most likely to justify such work. Further-

more, it should be noted that by authorizing the construction for 9-foot

navigation of 14 locks at various parts of the river, Congress has already

practically entered upon such a system of improvement."

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420        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

On the 11th of January, 1908, these reports, accompanied by a

letter from General Mackenzie, were transmitted to the house of Rep-

resentatives by the Secretary of War and were referred to the Commit-

tee on Rivers and Harbors.

It remains for Congress to complete the work it has undertaken

by adequate appropriations. There is no further room for discussion.

All the arguments advanced by the Ohio Valley Improvement Associa-

tion, in behalf of the permanent improvement of the river, have been

verified and confirmed by the distinguished Engineers making the reports

by direct authority of Congress.

And so, after the lapse of a century and a quarter, the dream of

Washington bids fair to be realized.

[The excellent address of Mr. Lewis on Dunmore's War, is here

omitted as the author desires to publish it elsewhere.-EDITOR.]

Following the papers of the formal session there was a

most pleasing reception tendered the assembled members and

their guests by the resident members of the Society of Colonial

Dames in the State of Ohio, in old office of the Ohio Land Com-

pany on Washington street. The structure has the reputation of

being the oldest building in the Northwest Territory still on

its original site, and has fittingly passed into the keeping of this

patriotic organization. There amidst the old desks, chairs, and

other mementoes of early days, some fifty guests sipped their

tea and chatted by the light cast from the blazing log in the old

fireplace or from the flickering candles on the walls. The com-

mittee in charge of this feature of the program consisted of Mrs.

Lovell, Miss Woodbridge, Mrs. Daniel H. Buell, Miss Buell,

and Miss Putnam, whose efforts were gratefully appreciated by

the assembled guests.

 

 

 

 

 

THIRD SESSION.

Over a hundred persons assembled in the Y. M. C. A. build-

ing at seven p. m. for the annual dinner of the Association.

After partaking of the substantial repast provided for the occa-

sion, President E. O. Randall, in introducing the toastmaster for

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