Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Construction photograph collection

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Construction photograph collection, January 7, 1914 - August 17, 1916

Overview of the Collection

Title: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Construction photograph collection
Dates: January 7, 1914 - August 17, 1916 (bulk)
19141916
Quantity: 13 photographic prints ; 8 x 10 in.
Collection Number: PH0885
Summary: Photographs of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks construction from January 7, 1914 to their opening in August, 1916
Repository: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions: Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries’ Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Languages: English

Historical BackgroundReturn to Top

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are part of Seattle's Lake Washington ship canal . Named after U.S. Army Major Hiram Martin Chittenden, the Seattle District Engineer for the Corps of Engineers from April, 1906 to September, 1908. They are known locally as the Ballard Locks. The complex actually consists of two locks, a small (30 x 150 ft, 8.5 x 45.7 meters) and a large (80 x 825, 24.4 x 251.5 meters). The complex also includes a spillway with six gates to assist in water-level control. A fish ladder is integrated into the locks for migration of fish. The locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The locks were formally opened on July 4, 1917, although the first ship to pass through was on August 3, 1916.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Photographs of construction of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and boats at narrows of Salmon Bay.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection .

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Gift of John Snyder, December 1977.

Processing Note

Processed by Sarah Julsonnet; processing completed in 2010

The photos were transferred from the Seattle files, 2010

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Folder	item
1	1	Construction view looking southeast (No 271)	January 7, 1914
1	2	Admitting water to lock chamber upper end north wall (No 412)	February 2, 1916
1	3	Admitting water to lock chamber north valve opening, with water starting out (No 409)	February 2, 1916
1	4	Group including: Lieutenant Colonal J.B. Cavanaugh and assistants standing in snow in front of building (No 417)	Februrary 2, 1916
1	5	Concrete shafts for lighting standards (No 425)	March 29, 1916
1	6	SnagboatSwinomisherecting light standards on lock wall (No 434)	May 17, 1916
1	7	U.S.E.D. LaunchOrcasin small lock (No 444-2)	July 25, 1916
1	8	U.S.E.D. LaunchOrcasbeing used raised in small lock (No 446-4)	July 25, 1916
1	9	U.S.E.D. LaunchOrcasraised to upper level of small lock (No 447-5)	July 25, 1916
1	10	U.S.E.D. LaunchOrcasraised to upper level of small lock (No 448-6)	July 25, 1916
1	11	U.S.E.D. LaunchOrcasraised to upper level of small lock (No 450-8)	July 25, 1916
1	12	People at informal opening of large lock withOrcasandSwinomishraised to upper level (No 457-3)	August 3, 1916
1	13	Tugs and barges in large lock upbound (No 458)	August 17, 1916

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