But for the canal, there would be no New Haven. The opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal to activity in 1843 created opportunities that drew settlers to the newly platted village in increasing number. Visitors passing through on canal boats helped fuel the vibrancy. As the population grew, residents voted for the structure that incorporation as a town would provide. When the practicality of the Canal began to wane, two railroad lines took its place as a superior means of transportation. The advent of the automobile and construction of the coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway in the early 1900s firmly set transportation as the heritage of the town.
Acknowledgement of notable content sources: New Haven Area Heritage Association files and book: Images of America NEW HAVEN Commemorative book: New Haven Area Centennial 1866 – 1966 Research files of Hilda (Schnelker) Snyder, 4th Generation New Haven resident (1920 – 2008)
