In the early 1800's, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson saw the importance of the new frontier of Ohio. They suggested a canal system that would open up commerce and trade to the Ohio River, to the Mississippi River down to New Orleans. The Locktender was the fellow who operated the lock on his canal. While the boats were either raised or lowered to their desired levels, the Lockender would switch hats from tending the lock to tending the bar at his inn located close by.