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United States of America

Cape Cod Canal

Canal Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Cape Cod Canal, Maritime canal in southeastern Massachusetts, United States.

Description

The Cape Cod Canal connects Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay across a span of 17.5 miles (28 kilometers), running in a straight, wide cut through sandy embankments. The waterway measures 500 feet (150 meters) across and 32 feet (10 meters) deep, with continuous shoreline paths and grassy slopes along both sides.

History

The waterway was completed in 1914 by private investors who collected tolls from passing ships. The government purchased it in 1928 and transferred operations to the Army Corps of Engineers, which eliminated the fees.

Culture

Anglers of all ages line the banks, casting into the strong tidal current for striped bass and bluefish. The paths on both sides are used daily by runners, cyclists, and families who watch the passing ships and barges.

Practical

The passage shortens the distance between New York and Boston by 75 miles (120 kilometers) and saves several hours of travel time. Visitors can follow the ships from the shoreline paths or walk beneath three bridges that carry traffic over the water.

Did you know?

The waterway functions without locks, even though tides at both ends can differ by more than 3 feet (1 meter). This feature creates shifting currents that sometimes reach 5.5 miles per hour (9 kilometers per hour) and force captains to adjust their route.

Location

Massachusetts

Inception

July 29, 1914

Elevation above the sea

0 m

Part of

Intracoastal Waterway

Website

http://nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/CapeCodCanal.aspx

GPS coordinates

41.76465,-70.56999

Latest update

December 14, 2025 17:27

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