Holyoke Canal System | |
![]() Holyoke Canal System | |
Location | Holyoke, Massachusetts |
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Built | 1847 |
Architect | Philander Anderson, C.E.[2] |
NRHP reference No. | 80000473 [1] |
Added to NRHP | December 3, 1980 |
The Holyoke Canal System is a system of power canals in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It is split into three canals based on elevation and distance from the inlet at the Holyoke Dam- the First Level Canal, Second Level Canal, and Third Level Canal. Constructed over a period between 1847 and 1892, the Canal System, along with the Dam, is recognized as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for its use in the development of the Venturi meter by Clemens Herschel, the first means of measuring large-scale flows, and the McCormick-Holyoke Turbine by John B. McCormick, which doubled the efficiency of turbines to more than 80% in its time.[3]
Philander Anderson was the chief engineer of the designing and construction of the system, as also of the laying out the street system of Holyoke.
We understand it is the intentions of those interested, to call the new manufacturing town or city in West Springfield; opposite Hadley Falls, Hampden. Philander Anderson, Esq., Civil Engineer, has been employed there for some time, with assistants, in examining and laying out the grounds and making estimates for the improvements which are to be made.