Georgia: Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum

What a delightful treasure.  On our return to Florida in July it had been a long day's trip on I-95 so a walk was in order.  As we neared the entrance to the campground I noticed an interesting sign.

This sign caught my attention
Little did I know it would be so interesting.

This was a short walk from the campground.  Why not take a stroll?

Nature Trail leading to the canal

Yes, there was a slightly overgrown foot path near the road that lead to a shelter.  Perhaps this was a road side park and picnic area between us and the fenced museum building.  

Flowers abound in sunny areas

Walking the path made sense and we soon learned it was part of the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center.  The area was lovely with moss draping from tall oaks as we walked the path which led to a canal.

Canal and Locks

 This was the historic Ogeechee Barge Canal, a prime relic in the history of southern canals.  History from Wikipedia records the canal as "The Savannah - Ogeechee Canal was an important and profitable enterprise during the mid-nineteenth century. Originally chartered in 1824, the 16.5 miles (26.6 km)'s of canal was completed in December 1830. Numerous problems (such as decay of wooden locks and repeated erosion of embankments) plagued the canal during its early days of operation. The parent company declared bankruptcy in 1836. A new company was formed that widened and improved existing structures within the canal. From the 1840s to the 1860s, the canal generally prospered and became an important element in the south Georgia economy."

Swampy area along the canal

The canal begins with the tidal lock at the Savannah River and continues through four lift locks as is traverses 16 1/2 miles.  The canal terminates with another tidal lock at the Ogeechee River, the location of the museum and nature center.

Ogeechee River

Canals were the lifeblood of Georgia commerce after 1820, the canal era.  Before then the residents relied on rivers and transferred goods several times from water to land as the rivers did not always connect.  

A paved road borders the canal for some distance

The canal was destined for demise after heavy June rains damaged the canal in 1876 and the yellow fever epidemic left few workers to repair the damage.  Couple this disaster with the railroad era and it is no wonder the canal fell into neglect.  

Looking into the canal

Fortunately local citizens formed the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society  and obtained a grant to build the park and museum.  

Luckily boardwalks cross part of the swamp

Our visit was in the early evening, after closing hours, so we could not speak with anyone.  The trails were a little overgrown and I suspect that in July when the weather is hot and muggy, and with frequent rains and plentiful insect life maintenance is more difficult.  Not to mention the occasional snake.

This water snake did not anticipate visitors

Followed by a quick escape into the canal

To say the least, the area is beautiful and without the effort of local residents and volunteers the historic canal, surrounding area, and the history would be lost.  It would only be a matter of time before the swamps were filled and houses dotted the land.

Interesting bird house
this area is swampy

You can follow the activities on Facebook Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society as their page lists tours, events, and other interesting facts.  Visit the site for recent photos, comments, and professional photos.  And, try to schedule a visit between 1 and 5 PM when the museum is open.

The nature center features
wild flowers