SJR158

A Joint Resolution designating June 25 of each year as “Delaware and Raritan Canal Day.”

Whereas, The Delaware and Raritan Canal, also known as the D&R Canal, is a historically significant waterway that stretches approximately 70 miles across New Jersey, connecting the Delaware River at Bordentown to the Raritan River at New Brunswick; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal has been in existence for over 190 years, having been chartered on February 4, 1830, and constructed by the Delaware and Raritan Canal Company over four years; and

Whereas, The construction of the D&R Canal involved extensive labor, including the excavation of more than six million cubic yards of earth, and the construction of numerous locks, aqueducts, and bridges to traverse the region’s challenging topography; and

Whereas, The Delaware and Raritan Canal system was constructed to consist of both an approximately 44-mile main canal and a 22-mile feeder canal, which supplied water to the main canal at the canal’s highest elevation in Trenton; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal was officially opened on June 25, 1834 by Governor Peter Vroom, who then led a two-day procession traversing the canal, ending with a 24-gun salute and a parade in New Brunswick; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal was originally constructed to facilitate the transportation of coal, iron, and other goods, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the region during the 19th century; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal was a key component in the transportation network of the northeastern United States, providing a vital link for trade between Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City; and

Whereas, The economic importance of the D&R Canal is highlighted by the fact the D&R Canal carried more annual freight than the Erie Canal in New York State in 1871; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal was designated a New Jersey Historical Site in 1972 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, highlighting its cultural and historical importance to both the State and the nation; and

Whereas, The canal system was recognized for its historical and environmental significance, leading the Legislature to pass the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Law of 1974, establishing the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and creating the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, the latter of which continues to preserve much of the canal’s original structure and surrounding natural areas; and

Whereas, The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is the second most visited State park in New Jersey, with over one million annual visitors and guests; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal is a symbol of New Jersey’s rich industrial heritage, as well as its commitment to preserving natural and historical resources for future generations; and

Whereas, The D&R Canal continues to serve as an important recreational resource, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling, while providing vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. June 25 of each year is designated as “Delaware and Raritan Canal Day” to celebrate and honor the cultural and historical significance of the Delaware and Raritan Canal.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe “Delaware and Raritan Canal Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates June 25 of each year as “Delaware and Raritan Canal Day” to celebrate and honor the cultural and historical significance of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The joint resolution respectfully requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe “Delaware and Raritan Canal Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal, also known as the D&R Canal, is a historically significant waterway that stretches approximately 70 miles across New Jersey, connecting the Delaware River at Bordentown to the Raritan River at New Brunswick. The D&R Canal was designated a New Jersey Historical Site in 1972 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, highlighting its cultural and historical importance to both the State and the nation.

The canal system was further recognized for its historical and environmental significance, leading the Legislature to pass the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Law of 1974, establishing the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and creating the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, the latter of which continues to preserve much of the canal’s original structure and surrounding natural areas. The D&R Canal is a symbol of New Jersey’s rich industrial heritage, as well as its commitment to preserving natural and historical resources for future generations.