The Holyoke Canal System is a system of power canals in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It is split into three canals based on elevation and distance from the inlet at the Holyoke Dam- the First Level Canal, Second Level Canal, and Third Level Canal. Constructed over a period between 1847 and 1892, the Canal System, along with the Dam, is recognized as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for its use in the development of the Venturi meter by Clemens Herschel, the first means of measuring large-scale flows, and the McCormick-Holyoke Turbine by John B. McCormick, which doubled the efficiency of turbines to more than 80% in its time.
Horse-drawn carriages removing earth during the original construction of the canal system, c. 1855.
The First Level Canal, as seen from Holyoke Heritage State Park
An aerial view of Downtown Holyoke and The Flats with the Canal System and Connecticut River highlighted
Girder bridges in a common style in the early 20th century; other examples remain extant without lighting today.
Holyoke is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States, that lies between the western bank of the Connecticut River and the Mount Tom Range. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 38,247. Located 8 miles (13 km) north of Springfield, Holyoke is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Area, one of the two distinct metropolitan areas in Massachusetts.
Image: Holyoke Skyline
Image: North High Street, Holyoke MA
Image: Holyoke Heritage State Park, Holyoke MA
Image: Beech Street in Spring, Holyoke, Massachusetts
