Research

Scope and Content Note

This series contains originals and carbon copies of weekly reports submitted to the State Engineer and Surveyor, Frank M. Williams. The reports were compiled by various division and senior assistant engineers who supervised Barge Canal and Terminal contract construction projects within the eastern, middle and western divisions of the Barge Canal System. The State Engineer and Surveyor, rather than state law, required that these reports be submitted to his office in order to keep abreast of occurrences in the field.

The reports vary in form and content since they were compiled by several individuals. Essentially, they document weekly progress on an assortment of canal construction projects either already underway, or started in 1921. The reports contain detailed information pertaining to work done in offices and bureaus; surveying, mapping and planning maintenance; repairs; unusual reports such as accidents or sinkings; excavation of dirt or stone; canal claims; and the disposition of applications for grants of land under water.