For years, there was no easy or cheap way to move logs, coal, and other resources directly from the east side of Lake Washington to Elliott Bay. There were many plans and several attempts to build a canal via Lake Union. However, none was successful until the Lake Washington Ship Canal was built in 1911 to 1917.

The Hiram Chittenden Locks are still a vital part of the canal's operation. They allow boats and ships from Lake Union and Lake Washington to be lowered to the level of Puget Sound. Those traveling the other way are raised to the level of the lakes.

This postcard shows the empty chamber and open gates of the larger of two locks.

Caption on image: The Big Lock in the Lake Washington Canal. Photo by Nowell.
Caption on verso: The big lock in the Lake Washington Canal - There are five gates like those shown on the card, in the big lock, four in the small. Each leaf of the largest gate weighs 200 tons and is 55 feet high and 47 feet wide. The largest leaf in the small lock is 42 feet high and 17 feet wide. The large lock is 80 feet wide and 825 feet long, the small lock 30 feet wide and 150 feet long.