U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA12) this week introduced legislation to extend the designation of the Augusta Canal as a National Heritage Area.
“Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal is the nation’s only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose – making it worthy of the National Heritage Area designation,” said Allen. “Not only is the history of the canal an important reminder of Augusta’s impact during the Industrial Revolution, it remains vital to economic development today.”
It’s hard for many to imagine now, but remember in 1845 Atlanta had just been founded. In fact, 1845 was the year the name of the little town largely built for the railroad changed its name from Marthasville to Atlanta. Augusta was a much more significant city at the time. Augusta had been around for 100 or so years already, even serving as the state capital for a period of time before the more geographically central Milledgeville became the state capital in 1804.
The railroad and shipping hub of Augusta, combined with Savannah, were both central to the early development of Georgia. The Augusta Canal was built for shipping and transportation, but also to power many of the mills in Augusta at the time – some of which would prove important some 20 years later during the Civil War.
The canal helped make Augusta into one of the few true manufacturing and industrial centers of the antebellum South. General Sherman ultimately spared Augusta from the fate that befell Atlanta and the city expanded during Reconstruction.
The canal has since been a central feature for the Garden City for more than 150 years.
“From helping to supply power for the city to providing trails and canal waters to explore recreationally, the canal is a key part of our community and I’m proud to introduce legislation to extend its authorization as a National Heritage Area,” added Allen.
The canal was named a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and, in 1996, named as the first designated National Heritage Area in Georgia. Boat tours run frequently – during non-COVID-19 times – and the former mills have now been converted into offices and loft apartments. The recreational trails Allen mentioned features miles of multi-use paths for bikes and walkers.
“I applaud Congressman Allen’s effort to extend the authorization of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (ACNHA),” said Dayton Sherrouse, Executive Director, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. “Its impact on Augusta’s economy has been significant and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in our area. We have been able to leverage, on average, five times the amount of the modest funding we have received through this designation. Extending our authorization from 2021 to 2036 will enable us to continue the successes of this new model within the National Park Service.”
