Savannah–Ogeechee Canal

The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal is a historic waterway that winds through wetland terrain, linking two major rivers together. The structure includes a series of lock systems that allowed boats to manage changes in water level.

Construction of the waterway started in the 1820s as a project to improve regional trade. The structure remained active for several decades, moving important goods like cotton, rice, and timber.

The waterway takes its name from the two rivers it was designed to connect, reflecting the commercial ambitions of those who built it. You can see today how this infrastructure shaped the way goods and people moved through the region during its active years.

You can walk the grounds to view the locks and water channels up close. The site is best explored on foot, and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially on uneven paths near the water.

The system still has six working locks today, including tidal gates at both river ends, showing how 19th-century engineers managed water flow. These preserved structures are rare examples of early American canal design.

Location: Savannah

GPS coordinates: 32.06111,-81.22056

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07