Ohio & Erie Canal Bibler Lock (Lock 8)
Behind Baltimore Wastewater Plant2005 Basil Western Rd NW
Baltimore, OH 43105
740-681-7249 | www.fairfieldcountyparks.org
Ohio & Erie Canal Bibler Lock (Lock 8)
Before 1840, there were eight locks and were numbered accordingly. After the Licking Reservoir (now Buckeye Lake) was expanded and level of water raised in 1840, an additional lock was added north of Bickel Church Road (known as Pugh's Lock) and it became the first lock on the southern descent. It had no number but that threw off the numbering system so Lock 8 is now the ninth lock.
Before 1840, there were eight locks and were numbered accordingly. After the Licking Reservoir (now Buckeye Lake) was expanded and level of water raised in 1840, an additional lock was added north of Bickel Church Road (known as Pugh's Lock) and it became the first lock on the southern descent. It had no number but that threw off the numbering system so Lock 8 is now the ninth lock.
Named for an adjacent landowner, Lock 8/Bibler Lock is southwest of the part of the village of Baltimore that once was the separate community of Basil. On the north side of the lock a steep hill formed a triangular basin that would have been a convenient location for boats to tie up for the night. A feature of every lock was the “tumble,” a small waterfall adjacent to the downstream end of the lock. Its purpose was to let excess water flow downstream so the water level in the canal would stay constant. Most tumbles were parallel to the downstream lock gates – or perpendicular to the lock chamber. Lock 8, however, was a little different. Its tumble was parallel to the axis of the lock chamber and was apparently built this way to allow creation of the adjacent basin. Lock 8 currently is hard to reach, but Fairfield County Park District is developing plans for a walking path to provide safe access for visitors.
This canal feature is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Ohio and Erie Canal Southern Descent Historic District.
Notes for Travelers
Smeck Park, one of the excellent parks maintained by Fairfield County Park District, is located nearby at 7395 Basil Road in Baltimore. It has walking trails, picnic shelter, and historic buildings. Fairfield County Park District has future plans to connect the park to the Bibler Lock. https://www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/parks/smeck-park/
Additional Resources
Meyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal – Licking Reservoir to Lockbourne and Columbus FeederMeyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal in the Scioto River Valley
https://www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/historical-features/ohio-erie-canal-locks/