[3] John Hancock, then Governor of Massachusetts, signed the charter which incorporated the Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on the Connecticut River.

Funds were raised both locally and internationally, with four Dutch investment houses owning slightly over 50% of the stock.

In 1826 the Barnet, the first steamboat to operate on the Connecticut River, passed through the South Hadley Canal on its way to Vermont.

Lifting power was supplied by two overshot waterwheels 16 feet (4.9 m) in diameter, one on each side of the inclined plane, connected to the cart with chains.

Lower Riverside Park overlooks the site of the former inclined plane and lock system, remnants of which are still visible today.