Savannah–Ogeechee Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Savannah and Ogeechee Canal
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly along I-95, between the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers, Savannah, Georgia |
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| NRHP reference No. | 97000814 |
| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1997 |
The Savannah–Ogeechee Barge Canal is a really old and important canal in the southern United States. It was a big part of how people and goods moved around a long time ago. This historic waterway was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 11, 1997.
The canal starts at the Savannah River with a special gate called a tidal lock. It then travels about 16.5 miles (26.5 km) through four more "lift locks." These locks help boats move up or down between different water levels. Finally, it reaches another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River near Fort Stewart.
As it winds along, the canal goes through areas that were once busy industrial zones and rice fields in Savannah, Georgia. It also passes through beautiful swamps and sandy hills. These natural areas are home to many unique plants and animals. Today, much of this area includes the Savannah suburbs of Garden City and Pooler.
Contents
Building the Canal: A Look Back to the 1800s
The Savannah–Ogeechee Canal was a very important and successful project in the mid-1800s. It was first planned in 1824, and the 16.5-mile (26.5 km) canal was finished in December 1830.
However, the canal faced many challenges early on. Wooden locks started to rot, and the dirt walls (called embankments) often washed away. The company that built the canal even went bankrupt in 1836.
Improvements and Prosperity
A new company took over and made the canal better. They widened it and improved its structures. From the 1840s to the 1860s, the canal generally did very well. It became a key part of the economy in southern Georgia.
What the Canal Carried: Goods and Trade
The canal opened for transportation in 1831. It quickly became a vital part of south Georgia's economy. It was especially important for the lumber trade. One of the biggest sawmills in the country was located right along the canal's basin.
Many other goods also traveled on the canal. These included cotton, rice, bricks, guano (a type of fertilizer), naval stores (like tar and pitch), and peaches.
Challenges and Decline
Later in the 1800s, the canal slowly started to decline. In 1876, heavy June rains badly damaged the canal's embankments. Around the same time, a yellow fever epidemic caused over 1,000 deaths. The canal began to seem more like a health problem than a useful way to transport goods.
By the early 1890s, the canal stopped being used for transportation. The Central of Georgia Railway had taken over many of the wharves, warehouses, and properties along the canal.
The Canal Today: A Place for Nature and History
Now, more than a century after the canal stopped being used for business, local people are working to bring it back to life. They want to restore and share the story of this waterway and its beautiful natural environment.
The Savannah–Ogeechee Canal Society is working with Chatham County's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department. Their goal is to turn the canal into a multipurpose park. This park will offer many activities for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Canal Paths
You can take a half-mile (0.8 km) walk along the old Heel or Tow paths. These paths offer a lovely way to experience this unique waterway. It's a great place to enjoy nature and learn about history.
Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center
Most of the restoration work today is happening near Lock 5, at the Ogeechee River end of the canal. This is where you'll find the Savannah–Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center. It's located at 681 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah.
The museum has exhibits that tell the story of the canal's history. It also teaches visitors about the natural history of the local area. The center offers guided tours that explore both the history and the nature of the canal. It's a fantastic place to learn about this important part of Georgia's past and present.
