The Augusta Canal, built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation, is the only intact industrial canal in the American South in continuous use. Spearheaded by Augusta native Henry H. Cumming, who perceived that Augusta could one day become “the Lowell of the South,” the Augusta Canal began to fulfill Cumming’s vision in short order. By 1847 the first factories – a saw and grist mill and the Augusta Factory-were built, the first of many that would eventually line the Canal.
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Despite the Civil War and General Sherman's march, Augusta fared well post-war with a growing population, access to hard currency, and the idea by Chief Engineer William Phillips to expand the Canal to reduce flooding--a feat accomplished by 1875.
Canal Headgates, 1875
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After the opening or expansion of massive factories like Enterprise, King, and Sibley textile mills, and Lombard Ironworks, farm families moved to cities for factory jobs. The factories employed mainly women and children, leading to the development of "mill villages".
Spinner girl at an Augusta Mill
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Harsh working conditions and poor living conditions led to labor unrest in textile mills, culminating in unsuccessful strikes.
The city built a new water pumping station at mid-canal, still in use today. They utilized the Canal's water power for electricity, introducing electric streetcars and street lighting by 1892. Plants also shifted to electrical power and various plans for a hydro-electric plant failed.
Turbines in the 1898 Waterworks Building
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Damage from periodic floods, which plagued the Canal and Augusta for decades, was addressed with repairs and improvements by Federal Works Progress Administration including: raising the banks, building a new spillway, and straightening the canal.
Broad Street, Augusta
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By the mid-20th Century, the Augusta Canal suffered neglect as textile mills closed and industrial activity moved south of the city. Despite being the city's water source, it lost its role in development. In the 1960s, officials even proposed draining it for a superhighway.
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Interest in reviving the Canal for recreation began with efforts to designate it as a National Historic Landmark. While a state park was not created, the Canal and mills were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the Augusta Canal Authority was established, leading to further development plans, including becoming a National Heritage Area in 1996.
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The revitalized Enterprise Mill on the Augusta Canal serves as the Augusta Canal National Heritage Discovery Center, showcasing exhibits and artifacts that highlight the history, challenges, and future potential of the canal.
Enterprise Mill
