The Ogeechee Canal

In the early 1800's, canals were becoming a popular enterprise around the new country of America. The business-minded leaders of Savannah and the surrounding area believed a canal connecting the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers would be an economic boon to the region.

In 1825, the canal was completed, and was indeed a huge boost to the local economy. Goods such as rice, cotton, Savannah Gray bricks, lumber and other items flowed through the canal.

After the Civil War, the advent of railroads began to take over, and the canal became less and less practical. By the early 1890's, it ceased operations altogether.

However, you can still see remnants of it in parts of both Chatham and Bryan Counties.