Cascade Locks Historic District

Northwest of downtown Akron, a ravine holds a string of Ohio & Erie Canal locks, numbers 10 through 18, along with wasteways, a mill race, a diversion dam, railroad bridges and a handful of industrial and residential buildings. The sandstone locks, each with a 90-foot chamber 15 feet wide, were lined with concrete during the 1907-11 statewide renovation, though original stone remains visible at the base of most walls. Canal construction began in 1825 alongside the founding of Akron, and the number of locks slowed travel enough to foster the town's growth. Mills drew power from a parallel hydraulic race, and later a steam plant, a rubber factory and rail lines, including a spur serving the valley's industries, joined the landscape. Buildings include a Greek Revival house built for Frederick Mustill. The district was listed for its local importance in industry, transportation, architecture and engineering, covering the years 1827 to 1930.