Pennsylvania Canal and Limestone Run Aqueduct
Also known as: West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal and Limestone
Why it's listed
Built between 1829 and 1830 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Limestone Run Aqueduct carries the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal over Limestone Run at Milton, in Northumberland County. Engineer Francis W. Rawle designed the structure, and the contractors and builders were McCormick and Montgomery, with Follmer and Levan named for the Milton section. The aqueduct is a single span of 20 feet, built of stone and wood, with an overall width of 75 feet, a trunk width of 30 feet, and a height of 7 feet. The West Branch Division first opened in November 1830, linking the canal system at Northumberland. The canal's arrival transformed Milton, which was already an agricultural and industrial center, and it gave impetus to the local economy. Lumber was the main cargo on this section. The aqueduct is the only standing feature of the Milton section, and its stone abutments remain in good condition.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that the canal was an important connector in the Pennsylvania canal system and that its opening in 1830 was one of the most important events in Milton's history, boosting an already growing economy. The aqueduct is the surviving physical element of that section. The document also notes the canal area's potential for reconstruction and redevelopment as a district reflecting the 1830-1860 period.
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 78002438, listed December 19, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Bounded by Broadway, Filbert St., Limestone Run and Bound Ave., Milton |
|---|---|
| County | Northumberland County |
| Listed | December 19, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002438 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1829-1830 |
| Architect / builder | Francis W. Rawle (engineer); McCormick & Montgomery and Follmer & Levan (contractors/builders) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Transportation |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Only the aqueduct is standing; its stone abutments are in good condition but have been used as footers for a railroad bridge. The canal bed is filled and the towpath cannot be seen. |
| Acreage | 1.7 |
| Within district | Milton Historic District |
| Coordinates | 41.01856, -76.85326 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 78002438.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7163677
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.