From 1828 to 1848, the Farmington Canal's “Long Level” section was the single most important factor in the growth of the Great Plain area of Farmington into Plainville. The present center developed around Bristol Basin, while Whiting’s Basin lay west of Farmington Avenue with a dry dock halfway between. Dug entirely by hand and horse, the canal was 36 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and had a 10-foot towpath. Boats about 85 feet long, pulled by horses or mules, included the locally owned “Ceres” and “H. M. Welch,” as well as the “James Hillhouse” and “Gold Hunter.” The advent of railroads, along with geographical and financial problems, contributed to the early demise of this waterway running from New Haven to Massachusetts.