•
1772 :
Virginia passes the original act authorizing the
canal.
•
1774 :
Two separate feasibility and cost studies made on
canal routes.
•
1776 :
Revolutionary War delays action.
•
1793 :
Construction begins on the Dismal Swamp Canal,
eliminating the immediate need for the Albemarle
and Chesapeake Canal.
•
1809 :
Another act passed in Virginia incorporating “The
Great Coastwise Canal and River Navigation
Company” to cut the canal.
•
1812 :
The War of 1812 delays further action.
•
1812-
1854 :
Numerous acts passed establishing companies
and enabling construction. Lack of interest and
funds caused further delays.
•
1855 :
Construction begins at last.
•
1859 :
Canal is completed and steamboat service begins.
Plans are already underway to deepen the canal
from six to eight feet.
•
1862 :
Both Confederate and Union forces sink ships in
North Carolina Cut to blockade the canal.
•
1865-
1866 :
Great Bridge Lock closed for three months due to
leakage.
•
1873 :
New iron gates replace wooden ones at Great
Bridge.
•
Late 1870’s : First suggestions made that the federal
government take over the canal, make
improvements and provide an inland waterway.
•
1913 :
United States buys Albemarle and Chesapeake
Canal for $500,000 as part of its inland waterway
plans.
•
1917 :
Lock gates removed at Great Bridge to allow
passage of larger ships.
•
1932 :
New lock, built by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
opens.
•
1992 :
Great Bridge Lock Area bulkheads and fender
systems upgraded.
•
2004 :
Great Bridge Bridge replaced and operations
taken over by the City of Chesapeake.
•2004 :
Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal placed on National Register of Historic Places.
Also see: Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal History
Related: The Battle Of South Mills
