The Rappahannock Canal was one of the region's most impressive transportation projects--and a monumental failure.

Part 2: Canal is integral--and changing--part of the Fredericksburg's landscape.

IT WAS THE Fredericksburg area's most colossal transportation project ever: a conduit for trade and commerce spanning 50 miles, involving thousands of laborers, the Virginia legislature, private investors and the City Council.

Interstate 95?

U.S. 1?

The railroad?

Nope. This engineering marvel was the Rappahannock River navigation system, canals built by hand over a 20-year span in the mid-1800s.

Few people here know that the region's original highway did not run north and south on a ribbon of asphalt and concrete, but east and west on the blue-green spine of the Rappahannock River--from Fredericksburg 50 miles upriver to the Fauquier County community of Waterloo at Carter's Run.

The most visible remains are a 1.8-mile section of canal in Fredericksburg, which runs along a popular cycling and jogging trail, and the crumbling ruins of locks and dams upstream.

Download a song (in WAV format) about the Rappahannock Canal

1811--Virginia legislature follows lead of other states to recommend Rappahannock Canal to open Rappahannock Valley to trade.

1816--First public stock sale in Rappahannock Navigation Co. held in Fredericksburg and counties upriver. But economy nose-dives and canal plans shelved.

1829--Fredericksburg City Council chips in to aid project. Rappahannock Navigation Co. finally raises enough capital. Parade through the city kicks off construction.

1829-1844--Chronic shortage of money allows completion of only parts of canal system originally planned to run from Fredericksburg 50 miles upstream to Carter's Run at Waterloo. Company folds, and again residents of Fredericksburg come to the aid of the project.

1845-1849--Virginia legislature approves another loan for the canal, which has consumed nearly $500,000 to date. Canal system is completed.

1852--State forecloses on Rappahannock Navigation Co., which is taken over by the city. End of canal era imminent: Orange & Alexandria Railroad reaches upper Rappahannock Valley; Little River Turnpike provides another land route to Alexandria ports.

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Date published: 5/25/2003

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