Gaston's Mill-Lock No. 36, Sandy and Beaver Canal District

Gaston's Mill and Lock No. 36 sit within Beaver Creek State Park as a water-powered grist mill paired with a restored canal lock from the 1800s. The facility displays the machinery for grain processing and the lock mechanism that managed water levels for boat passage.

Construction of the Sandy and Beaver Canal started in 1834, with this lock as one of 90 that managed elevation changes across the waterway. The canal system enabled cargo transport between communities across varying terrain.

The mill served as a gathering point where farmers brought their grain and exchanged news about harvests and local events. Visitors can observe how water power connected the community through a shared need for grain processing.

Visits are best during months with mild weather when access to the buildings and lock mechanisms is unobstructed. The grounds require comfortable footwear and careful attention near water features and machinery.

The 1988 restoration involved workers in period dress using historical tools to rebuild the lock gates with their distinctive cantilevered wood-beam design. This hands-on approach revealed how labor-intensive the original construction must have been.

Location: Ohio

GPS coordinates: 40.72750,-80.61280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09