Introduction

James L Sullivan

Courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Middlesex Canal was in operation from 1803 to 1853. The idea of a canal originated with James Sullivan who, at the time, was Attorney-General of Massachusetts. He and 12 others petitioned the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the right to build a canal from the Merrimack River to Boston Harbor opening southern New Hampshire to Boston markets. A charter was granted and authorized to collect whatever assessments were required to construct the new canal. The corporation purchased 142 pieces of land, along the canal route with sixteen pieces taken under the powers of eminent domain. The canal was built between 1794 and 1803 at a cost of $444,000, as reported by James Sullivan in his report from the Directors to the annual meeting of the proprietors on October 28, 1803.
In 1808 James Sullivan's son, James Langdon Sullivan, became the Agent for the Middlesex Canal. He put in place procedures for those who operated and used the canal including its maintenance and collection of fees. He also oversaw construction of several Merrimack River Canals and the operation and maintenance of the entire system.
During his time as the superintendent he oversaw the construction of docks and the North and Lechmere Canals. By 1815, eleven short canals, constructed around falls and rapids, made the river navigable as far north as Concord , New Hampshire and tributary canals soon provided access to several villages and industrial sites in the south. At its peak, the complete river navigation and canal complex exceeded 100 miles in length.
In 1811, Sullivan formed the Merrimack Boating Company which became the principal long-haul shipper between Boston and Concord NH . Sullivan developed several generations of steam towboats that were used to increase shipping on the river. For this invention, Sullivan received 16 patents, including the first ever issued for a towboat.
Use the links below to learn more about the history of the Middlesex Canal.

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