Fulton Lock, lock and dam on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Itawamba County, Mississippi, United States
Fulton Lock is a navigation structure on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi that raises or lowers vessels between different water levels. The structure stretches about 600 feet (180 meters) long and roughly 100 feet (30 meters) wide, allowing boats of various sizes to pass through safely.
Fulton Lock was built in 1985 to enable safer navigation along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and support regional commerce. The project was a major infrastructure effort that connected the region with a functional water transportation system for freight and other vessels.
The lock stands as a visible reminder of how communities depend on engineering to manage water and maintain commerce. Its presence shapes how people in the area relate to the waterway, transforming it from a natural river into a working transportation corridor that serves daily regional life.
The lock is visible from U.S. Route 78, which crosses the waterway just south of the structure. Visitors can access nearby recreational areas and the Whitten Historical Center to learn about local history and the waterway's role in the region.
The lock operates like an elevator for vessels, raising or lowering them about 25 feet (7.5 meters) to match different water levels. Cargo ships and military vessels receive priority, while smaller pleasure boats have scheduled times in the morning and afternoon when they can pass through.
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