History

Various forms of transportation have greatly influenced Delphi’s history. The Wabash & Erie Canal had a significant influence on life in Delphi. The Canal Era waned following the arrival of the railroads in 1858. Later, the electric Interurban rail service-connected Delphi to points east and west.

Delphi’s historical past of river canals can be enjoyed today through the Wabash and Erie Canal Park and Interpretive Center just ten blocks north of the Square. Canal Park, a heritage tourism attraction, celebrates the role the canal played in the mid-1800s through 1870. A replica canal boat, “The Delphi,” takes passengers on a float along a section of the historic canal.

The Wabash and Erie Canal Park and Interpretive Center also features an 1850’s Pioneer Village. All docents and tradespeople are volunteers. The historic structures include a Federal-style home (Reed Case House) and Log Cabins (Fouts Log House School House and Papermakers Shop), a Blacksmith and Carpenter Shop, and much more. Within the village, volunteers play historical roles of blacksmiths, broom and basket makers, schoolteachers, and papermakers. Every year around the July 4th weekend, the community comes together to Celebrate Canal Days Festival.