Jackson's Lock

Jackson's Lock is a historically significant feature of the Schuylkill riverfront area.  The lock was such a significant feature along the river that instead of using the name of Reading, most canal captains refered to it as "Jackson's". The exact location of the lock is not presently known.  The general location is known but over the years it has been filled in and overgrown to the extent that a precise site is unclear.

Those who belive that the lock lies buried also belive that it's not buried very deep.  Manual excavation of the site should be an adequate starting point.

Once any point has been exposed, further excavation can be planned.

It is suggested that the chamber be excavated to a depth of approximately 20 inches.  This would be slightly lower than the filled level of the lock but would emphasize the outline of the lock.

A simulated mitre gate with balance beams could possibly be installed at both ends of the chamber and the excavation extended to demonstrate the canal concept, and give an example of how it may have looked as the rivermen saw it so many years ago.

The lock chamber could be used as a canal & historical lecture site with the coping stones providing durable seating.

We plan to locate, restore. interpret, and maintain Schuylkill Navigation Lock 48 (Jackson's) in the riverfront area. Please contact us to volunteer for the project team

If you or your organization would like to volunteer for a project team, 
please contact us today!