Riverton Lock, Navigation lock in Colbert County, Alabama
Riverton Lock is a navigation lock on the Tennessee River in Alabama that raises and lowers boats between different water levels. It sits where Bear Creek meets the river and was a key point for water traffic moving through the region.
Construction started in 1895 under engineer George Washington Goethals and the lock opened in 1911 to help ships pass around difficult shoals. It remained in use until 1938 when it was no longer needed.
The lock served as a central point for river transportation, connecting communities between Paducah, Kentucky, and Florence, Alabama through the Tennessee River.
The site is publicly accessible and offers views of the historic structure and the river. Visitors can see the lock from surrounding paths and the riverbank to understand the engineering achievement.
When it was completed, this lock was the highest of its kind in the world and set new standards for lock design. These innovations later influenced major engineering projects like the Panama Canal.
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