Monday, April 16, 2012

Dismal Swamp Canal

Great Dismal Swamp - Virginia

The Dismal Swamp Canal opened in 1805, and is the oldest continuously operating canal in the United States. Work on the canal started in 1793 and the twenty-two mile long waterway was dug entirely by hand, using slave labor. Canal transportation was the lifeblood of this region's economy during most of the 19th century but commercial use of the canal tapered off in the early 20th century and now the canal is owned by the Federal Government and maintained as part of the Intracoastal Highway.

These pictures were taken in Virginia, just a few miles north of the North Carolina line.




2 comments :

  1. Enjoyed the photos! Spent many hours paddling the Swamp and Lake Drummond.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Actually we were headed to Lake Drummond. We got about halfway up the feeder ditch and had some difficulties with the inflatable and had to turn back. More about that tomorrow. Glad you liked the pictures--it is a lovely place. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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