Allegheny River Lock and Dam No.8

The story

Written by AI from this property's National Register nomination and the record above; every sentence is checked against its sources before it appears here. Corrections: privacy@treealive.com

The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8 is a lock and dam along PA 1033, 1.5 miles south of Templeton in Armstrong County, built from 1929 to 1931 in the late 19th and early 20th century revival style.

Why it's listed

It was listed in the National Register in 2000 under criteria A and C, with state-level significance in transportation, maritime history, architecture and engineering. Its period of significance runs from 1903 to 1948, reflecting its 1929-1931 construction.

Physical character

U.G.I. Contracting Company served as architect and builder, with York Engineering and Construction Company also working as builder, on a structure of concrete foundations and walls with a flat rubber roof. Guard fences were added in 1935, the esplanade was repaved in 1932, and a hydroelectric plant was added to the dam in 1990. The heating system was switched from coal to gas around 1965, and an electric air compressor was installed around 1975.

Historical context

Major Charles F. Powell proposed the lock and dam in 1898; construction began in 1929, after appropriations allowed contracts to be let, and the lock opened in 1931. Additional construction continued into 1933; the St. Patrick's Day flood struck the site in 1936, and emergency repairs were made that year.