Across the midwest and much of the east coast, the 1830’s and 40’s saw an explosion of canal building. Before the railroads, this was how crops and freight were moved around the young country. Horses and mules pulled the boats back and forth on the canals — linking big rivers, lakes and oceans. In Southeast Indiana, we still get to see it happen.

In Metamora, Indiana, a section of of the White Water Canal has been preserved. That preservation began in the 1940’s when state leaders realized how important the canals were to the early days of America. So they set aside a stretch of the old canal and went about refurbishing it. What makes The White Water Canal so interesting in Metamora is the canal actually flows through a covered bridge or aqueduct. Until recently, you could ride a canal boat — pulled by horses. But for now, we have lost that part of the history. Although efforts are ongoing to bring it back, it is still a fascinating town — built in the country — wrapped around the old canal. People come to this charming little town for the history, the atmosphere, the music and even for the ghosts.

As Small Town Americana goes — this one’s high on the list..