Ohio and Erie Canal
Also known as: See Also:Ohio and Erie Canal TR
Why it's listed
This stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal in Valley View, south of Cleveland, preserves a working picture of Ohio's canal era. The nominated section runs about 1.5 miles and includes Locks 37, 38 and 39, an aqueduct carrying the canal over Tinkers Creek, and two buildings from the period of canal use: a mill at Lock 37 and a two-story clapboard building at Lock 38 that once served as a store and inn and as a station for exchanging towing horses. The sandstone locks were repaired with cement before 1905, and the aqueduct's wooden supports were replaced with metal in 1905, though original sandstone columns remain. The canal, begun in 1825 and reaching Portsmouth by 1833, joined Lake Erie to the Ohio River and spurred population, commerce and industry across the state. Railroads reduced its use by the 1860s. This section was recognized as a National Historic Landmark for illustrating that period.
Significance in brief: The section is described as one of the better preserved parts of the canal and still holds water, with locks that appear workable. Together with the aqueduct, a mill at Lock 37 and a former store and inn at Lock 38, it illustrates canal use when canals were essential to the nation's growth. The canal helped drive Ohio's population, trade and industry growth.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000607, listed November 13, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | OH 631, Valley View |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | November 13, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000607 |
| Resource type | District |
| Period of significance | 1825-1860 |
| Areas of significance | Industry, Commerce |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated November 13, 1966 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in relatively good repair; the locks hold water and the Lock 37 mill's waterwheel is present but appears non-functional. The Lock 38 building shows modernization inside. Owned by the State of Ohio. |
| Acreage | 24.5 |
| Within district | Valley Railway Historic District |
| Coordinates | 41.37467, -81.61801 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000607.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q97989001
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.