6/7/08 - Augusta, GA

Susan along Augusta Canal

The Augusta Canal was built in 1845, and enlarged in 1875, to divert some of the Savannah River into a 9 mile canal system to serve downtown Augusta. Locks were included to allow shipping to support the area's textile industry, and to supply water power and later hydroelectric power.

Headgates of Augusta Canal

Headgates of Augusta Canal

This shows the diversion dam, a simple overflow type. It also illustrates the concept of the "fall line", which marks the change in terrain from the mountainous regions to the lowlands.

Old Augusta

Solid marble ball suspended by water

Stream near Augusta Canal headgates

Mike and Susan at River Walk. Lines on wall show various flood levels.

Lines on wall show various flood levels

Mike at fountain along River Walk

Savannah River at the Augusta Canal headgates