The New Haven–Northampton Canal

After the success of the Erie Canal, canals were proposed in many areas of the young United States. Robert Madison will share his research with us, regarding the effort to build a canal from Northampton to New Haven. Begun in 1822 and completed in 1835, the canal only operated until 1847, when it was rendered obsolete by the railroad.

Author Bob Madison talks about his rails-to-trails book.  Linear parks or rails-to-trails pathways s help preserve the history of canals and old railroads.  The Canal Greenway takes the bicyclist or hiker on a historic trip through sixteen towns into the interior of Western New England – – from New Haven, CT to Northampton, MA.  His rails-to-trails book is a comprehensive guide which includes trail maps, trailhead descriptions, original watercolor paintings by the author, attractions, distances and a little history of each of the sixteen towns along with the history of the canal and the railroad as the modern rail trail works its way along some 81 trail miles or 87 mile canal length.   All book sales or donations go to the Southwick Historical Society to fund historical canal awareness signage.

Robert Madison is an outdoor enthusiast who has lived in Western Massachusetts most of his life.  Bob has degrees from the University of Hartford, American International College, and Western New England University.  He is retired from both Pratt & Whitney [Aircraft] division of United Technologies and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission.

Zoom link for this lecture: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84485731584