Upper Appomattox canal system

Upper Appomattox Canal Navigation System
The Abutment Dam, the Appomattox Canal Dam, brought water to the Upper Appomattox Canal.
Specifications
Maximum boat beam5 ft 0 in (1.52 m)
Locks17 Locks
(Staircase fashion around the Fall Line and along the river)
StatusNo longer in use since 1890
Navigation authorityVirginia General Assembly
History
Original ownerUpper Appomattox Canal company
Principal engineerJohn Couty (1830)
Date of act1796
Construction began1809
Date completed1816
Date closed1890
Geography
Start pointFarmville, Virginia
End pointPetersburg, Virginia
BranchAppomattox River
Branch ofJames River

For over a hundred years, from 1745 to 1891, the Upper Appomattox Canal Navigation system enabled farmers to deliver wheat and corn to mills on the Appomattox River as far west as Farmville, Virginia, and ship milled flour to Petersburg. The canal, which circumvented the falls at Petersburg, featured a turning basin which let the long, narrow bateau reverse direction, unload shipments, and load goods for the return trip. The system could thus served downsteam markets destined for the Chesapeake Bay markets and likewise serve upstream markets from the coastal plain. As well, canal boats carried passengers in relative speed and comfort.

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