Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal

The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal is a waterway that extends approximately 75 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, linking the Chesapeake Bay with the Albemarle Sound. The passage was constructed to create a continuous shipping route and is now used by recreational boats and occasional commercial vessels.

Work on the canal began in the 1850s using innovative dredging techniques that were considered cutting-edge for the time. The project connected two major water systems and was completed in phases over several decades.

The waterway served as a vital shipping route for merchants and fishing communities connecting two regions for generations. Visitors can still observe the old docking stations and landing points scattered along the banks that reflect this maritime heritage.

The canal is accessible to small and medium-sized boats, but requires knowledge of tidal patterns and water depths in various sections. The best time to explore is during warmer months when water levels are higher and navigation becomes easier.

Only a small section of the canal was created through land excavation, while the rest utilizes existing river channels and natural waterways that were modified. This approach was more cost-effective and made use of existing geographic features.

Location: Chesapeake

Inception: 1775

GPS coordinates: 36.72610,-76.10920

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28