File:Ballard Locks, Seattle, ca 1920 (MOHAI 2809).jpg

English:

For years, there was no easy or cheap way to move logs, coal, and other resources directly from the east side of Lake Washington to Elliott Bay. There were many plans and several attempts to build a canal via Lake Union. However, none was successful until the Lake Washington Ship Canal was built in 1911 to 1917.

The Hiram Chittenden Locks were a vital part of the canal's operation. They allow boats and ships from Lake Union and Lake Washington to be lowered to the level of Puget Sound. Those traveling the other way are raised to the level of the lakes.

This postcard shows a ship and a smaller boat in the locks, heading out of the canal toward Puget Sound.

Caption on image: Canal Locks Second to Panama, Seattle, Washington. Caption on verso: Canal Locks Second to Panama - The Canal is about eight miles long from Puget Sound to Lake Washington. It adds more than ninety miles to Seattle's water frontage and gives access for ocean shipping to the non-tidal fresh water harbors of Lake Union, in the heart of the City, and Lake Washington, twenty-five miles long and four wide on the east boundary of Seattle. The right-of-way is 300 feet wide, the channel 100 feet wide, and the depth 36 feet. The locks are capable of lifting larger vessels than any government locks outside the Panama Canal. Caption by MOHAI staff.

• Subjects (LCTGM): Vessels--Washington (State)--Seattle; Locks (Hydraulic engineering)--Washington (State)--Seattle; Canals--Washington (State)--Seattle; Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Seattle, Wash." Lake Washington Ship Canal (Seattle, Wash.)