The Great Portage of 1829 | North Coast Chronicles

October 24, 2021

Take a historic trip through the Welland Canal!

On the fifth episode of North Coast Chronicles: Tales from the Great Lakes, entitled, "The Great Portage of 1829," historian Bel Bachmann and trade and compliance specialist with the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Benoit Nolet, join host Helen Brohl to share the origins, construction, and operation of the Welland Canal. Providing portage around Niagara falls for ships now carrying 40 million tons of cargo per year, the first canal was built at a time in history when ships operated under sail and the original 40 individual locks were built by hand to raise ships 326 feet from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. What veteran of the War of 1812 had the vision to build the Canal and why? What group of people wielded the axes, picks, and shovels to dig the first canal?  How does a modern day vessel get into and out of a lock with only one foot of air on either side?  And, what is a vacuum mooring? St. Catherine's, Ontario and Lock 3 at the Welland Canal is your next stop on the Great Lakes Circle Tour!

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Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!