A Canal that Withstand History

The Augusta Canal - Georgia's First Designated National Heritage Area January 5, 2013

I spent a warm January day at the Augusta Canal.  The canal was constructed in 1845 and enlarged in 1874.  There are three levels that make up the canal.  The first level is about 8.5 miles from the head gate, which was part of the Petersburg Boat Tour.  The second and third levels take several paths through downtown Augusta and the Laney-Walker Districts, totally 13.5 miles. 

My journey begun at the Enterprise Mill, which is where the boat tour starts and a museum. The boat ticket also included the admission to the museum.  As part of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, my boat tour focuses on Civil War History.  

 The Petersburg boat was used back in the day to haul goods  in the canal.

Along the canal, there are four mills still standing.  

The Enterprise Mill - 

The Enterprise Mill. 

The Boiler that was used at the Enterprise Mill.

Finished in 1848 as a four-story granite mill that was used for flour mill.  By 1875, it turned into the Enterprise Manufacturing Company.  The Graniteville Company acquired Sibley Mill and in 1923 purchased Enterprise Mill.  Enterprise Mill stayed in operation as a textile mill until it officially closed in 1983.  In 1997, a major renovation allowed the mill to thrive with offices, retails, and the location of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Interpretive Center.

The King Mill- 

Founded in 1881, the John P. King Manufacturing Company was named in honor of a prominent Augustan.  The mill had a massive central stair and water tank tower reminiscent of the villa towers of northern Italy.  This mill has many ornamental brickwork throughout. The Augusta Canal Authority is concerned with the preservation and stewardship of the Historic Augusta Canal and Industrial District National Landmark.  Adhering to its mission, the Augusta Canal Authority recognized an immediate need when the future was uncertain in 2001 and acted quickly to purchase the property and the authority leased the mill to Standard Textile, which put people to work today.  Hospital blankets are their specialties.  

The King Mill

The Sibley Mill- 

To supply the Confederate Army gunpowder supplies, Jefferson Davis appointed Colonel George Washington Rains t create a local gunpowder supply in 1861.  Colonel Rains chose Augusta -  a perfect location that has a canal to provide electricity to design Power Works. Completed in 1862, the powder works lined the banks of the canal for two miles.  The plant was organized for manufacturing efficiency.  Now, the only remaining structure from the powder works is the smokestack in the shape of an obelisk. By April 1865, the operation came to a halt.  During its lifetime, the facility produced approximately 7000 pounds of gunpowder per day for a final total of 2,750,000 pounds.  The Augusta Powder Works produced enough gunpowder to meet the needs of the Confederate Army and still retained a surplus of 70,000 pounds at the end of the war.  In the 1880s, a group of business men formed the Sibley Manufacturing Company, which was the largest and most successful cotton mills in the region.  Eventually Sibley Mill became part of the Graniteville Mills, it continued to operate until 2006.  Even though the production ceased, the mill's water driven turbines still generate electricity which is sold to Georgia Power.  

The Sibley Mill and Confederate Powder Works Chimney

Screen to captures debris and prevent flowing down the canal.

It was a warm day.  The Canal Mascots are greeting us. 

Part II - The Augusta Canal Headgates and the Savannah Rapids Pavilion

There is a wide, level towpath that was used by mules to pull canal boats to the headgates.  It has now turn into a beautiful trail for hikers, cyclists, and runners.  The Cancellation Stamp Location at the headgate can be found in the Lockkeeper's Cottage.  I have got to rent a kayak when it gets warmer! 

Savannah River.  Water is low this time of the year.   

This is the 1875 Gate House and Locks.  The 1845 lock is located left of here. 

 

What a view! 

The Augusta Canal Headgate and the lock.

The Lockkeeper's Cottage.

Tiger was here! 

Roar! 

What a beautiful day! 

Yeah! Tiger and I are having a good time! 

Need to say more?

The Gate House window. 

The view from the 1875 Gate House. 

Tiger's Final Thought:

Augusta Canal is a vision from someone who believes in making the city of Augusta flourish.  Augusta was never the same.  It helped the city with industrial development, creating thousands of jobs.  And in the Civil War, provided the Confederate Soldiers comfort, and protection with gunpowder.  Augusta Canal has changed the history of the surrounding area.  Thanks to those who have believed in the nature and what it has for us.  The thought of having a canal is nothing but a genius idea.  What would happen to Augusta if this awesome canal was never built?  I know for sure, there will be no recreation area for us to enjoy... It was kind of late for us living here for about 3 years and not being at the towpath.  It's time to get our butts there when we can.  It's an awesome place to be.  Everyone should go and just enjoy nature and the life and blood of the city of Augusta!  Well, besides the Augusta Nationals Golf Club for sure.