The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks , also known as the Ballard Locks, are the United States' most-trafficked canal locks, located along Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal near the city's Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods. The locks, which were opened in 1917 and named in honor of United States Army Major Hiram Martin Chittenden, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. They are credited with reshaping vast areas of Seattle's waterfront coastline and changing the water level and flow direction of its lakes and rivers, allowing commercial and recreational vessels to traverse the city's harbor and warehouses. Today, they have become one of Seattle's most popular tourist attractions, welcoming more than one million annual visitors. A visitor center is offered at the locks, along with the beautiful Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107, Phone: 206-780-2500

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