New York State Barge Canal System terminal contract plans

Numerical by terminal contract number.

This series consists of approximately 200 linen plans and drawings depicting Barge Canal terminal locations and terminal construction specifications. Under the Laws of 1909, Chapter 438, the Barge Canal Terminal Commission was created to study the question of providing adequate and publicly controlled terminal facilities for the canals of New York State.

Approval for the construction of terminals was enacted in the Laws of 1911, Chapter 746; Section One states "The words 'terminal' and 'terminals' as used in this act shall mean and include lands, docks, dockwalls, bulkheads, wharves, piers, slips, basins, harbors, structures, tracks, facilities and equipment for loading and unloading and temporarily storing freight transported upon the Barge Canals of this state." The Canal Board was designated as the supreme governing body for terminals, the State Engineer was to make plans and supervise construction, and the Superintendent of Public Works was to operate and maintain terminals after their completion. Additionally, as reflected in this series, the passage of an act (Laws of 1920, Chapter 698) authorized the construction of grain elevators at Gowanus Bay and Oswego.

The plans in this series depict drawings and specifications for furnishing, installing, testing, assembling, and improving elements of terminals. Usually included is a key map showing terminal location, followed by sheets specifying work to be completed. Contracts rendered as void are annotated in pen as such. Extensive gaps exist in this series. Much of the material remains with the New York Port Authority or other local entities to which the contents relate.

Series B0367, Preliminary estimates for construction of Barge Canal terminals, contains related records.

Folder list.

Indexed by Series B1768, Index to Barge Canal contracts, maintenance contracts, terminal contracts, U.S. contracts, final estimates, structures, and shop drawings.

This series was transferred from the Canal Corporation, via the State Museum in February 2001.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.