GREAT DISMAL SWAMP MEGASITE
A richly historic man made waterway, the Great Dismal Swamp Canal MegaSite is dedicated to the enslaved and free men that built the oldest made waterway in America. Now recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad, this historic waterway is a national treasure and the basis of this website.
Halfway House VA/NC Border
UPDATED DEC. 25, 2014
The Great Dismal Swamp was the lure of many men seeking fortune from the vast land and abundant natural supply of valuable lumber. One of the first and most famous business supporters of the Great Dismal Swamp was George Washington himself. It was his suggestion to build the actual Canal which was begun in 1793. There is now a system of Canals and Ditches including a feeder ditch from Lake Drummond (approximate center of the swamp) which keeps the system supplied with water. The Dismal Swamp Canal's first vessel was a shingle flat which christened the canal with the first voyage in 1805. The steamship Thomas Newton was one of many steam vessels to carry freight and passengers through the Great Dismal Swamp. At one time the swamp was fully commercialized and included a number of Railroads to move the valuable timber to Norfolk and Suffolk and points South. The historic canal is now recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad and noted as a former sanctuary for runaway slaves seeking freedom.
Our Historical Review of the Great Dismal Swamp will captivate you.
Be sure to Visit the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center (see links).
SEE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS ON EVERY PAGE OF THIS SITE!
Our Historical Review of the Great Dismal Swamp will captivate you.
Be sure to Visit the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center (see links).
SEE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS ON EVERY PAGE OF THIS SITE!
Arbuckle Landing on the Great Dismal Swamp
Congressman Randy Forbes (VA-04) on the President's Budget Proposal for the Great Dismal Swamp Canal (2004)
Since its construction, the Great Dismal Swamp Canal has required regular dredging and maintenance expenses as well as routine operation costs. The President's FY2005 budget includes $435,000 for this important project. This amount, however, may be inadequate to ensure the canal's yearly operation.
This unique waterway has supplied access to the remote wetlands of the Great Dismal Swamp for over 200 years, earning its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Obtaining the necessary funding for the continued operation of our nation's oldest man-made canal is an important priority both for residents as well as visitors to the region.
While it is early in the appropriations process, I look forward to working to see that the Army Corps of Engineers obtains sufficient funding for the maintenance of this very important historical and ecological landmark.
Since its construction, the Great Dismal Swamp Canal has required regular dredging and maintenance expenses as well as routine operation costs. The President's FY2005 budget includes $435,000 for this important project. This amount, however, may be inadequate to ensure the canal's yearly operation.
This unique waterway has supplied access to the remote wetlands of the Great Dismal Swamp for over 200 years, earning its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Obtaining the necessary funding for the continued operation of our nation's oldest man-made canal is an important priority both for residents as well as visitors to the region.
While it is early in the appropriations process, I look forward to working to see that the Army Corps of Engineers obtains sufficient funding for the maintenance of this very important historical and ecological landmark.
WE ARE WORKING ON OUR NEW PHOTOS PAGES.. SAMPLE HERE
OLD SUPERVISORS SHACK
Many thanks to Greeting Giant Yard and Lawn greetings for supporting the Great Dismal Swamp Megasite. Please visit http://www.greetinggiant.com for your next birthday, graduation or other celebration and try their big yard greeting cards for your next event!
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Many thanks to StreetGlo Decals and Graphics for providing funding and web space for DismalSwamp.net. Be sure to visit StreetGlo for the latest in motorcycle decals and great boat lettering and boat graphics.
Many thanks to StreetGlo Decals and Graphics for providing funding and web space for DismalSwamp.net. Be sure to visit StreetGlo for the latest in motorcycle decals and great boat lettering and boat graphics.