Washington Canal Groundbreaking

Title

Washington Canal Groundbreaking

Description

On May 2, 1810, Washington officials and citizens flocked to the groundbreaking for the Washington Canal, which would connect the Potomac River to the Eastern Branch, also called the Anacostia River. Although the canal had been part of the original 1791 plan for the city, it had never been built. In 1809, Congress chartered a new company specifically to complete the Canal. The National Intelligencer, one of the first newspapers in Washington, reported on the festivities for the groundbreaking of the canal, which people hoped would promote business in the city.

Date

5/4/1810

Source

National Intelligencer (Washington, DC).

Coverage

1800-1829

Theme

commerce & trade

neighborhood