Power canal

The power canal was a major factor in the Industrial Revolution in New England in the 19th century.

Most early power canals were mill races used mechanically to transfer power directly from falling water to machinery in mill buildings.

Later, the hydraulic power generated electricity locally for the same mill factories.

Some hydraulic power canals were transformed into local electric generators, but most were closed.

Remains of power canals can be seen in old mill towns and are often protected as historical structures today.

Queenston-Chippawa Power Canal conveying water to the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Stations , Ontario, Canada,
Map showing the system of canals used to power the textile mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. At left, water is diverted from the Merrimack river, and distributed out to several smaller canals (center and right)
Sluice in the canal of Gabčíkovo Dam (Slovakia) - the canal is conveying water to a hydroelectric power station.