The Dismal Swamp
The straight lines seen between Elizabeth City, NC and Norfolk, VA are known as The Dismal Swamp.
The Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest operating artificial waterway in the U.S. We stopped at the welcome center just beyond locking through and read about the history of the canal. Briefly: In 1728, Colonel William Byrd II first proposed a canal. It wasn’t until after the Revolutionary War when George Washington and Patrick Henry felt that canals were the easiest answer to connect isolated towns and villages. In 1793, construction began on both ends of the canal completely by hand. Most of the labor was done by slaves hired from nearby landowners. It was also noted that the swamp became a haven for runaways. The canal was completed in 1805.
Monday, April 29. We anchored just before the SouthMills Lock.
Tuesday, April 30. Right after locking through the lockmaster drove a short distance to open this bridge as we entered the Dismal Swamp.
We stayed overnight at the Welcome Center with three other boats. This is also a rest stop for cars off of Highway 17. We had many visitors during the day.
Walkway at the visitor center. We stayed on the boardwalk after reading the warning sign noting there were snakes and ticks— so wear long pants, shoes and socks on the trails.
Fun chatting with these fellow loopers. (Stinkpot, Sol Mate, and Tiger Paw)
Thursday, May 2. VIRGINIA!!! This is our 10th state on the loop.
SNAKE!! We saw a few as we cruised through.
A local resident has designated himself as the Dismal Swamp Commander.
We were the first boat to go through and enjoyed these views all day. It is recommended boats give a mile in between eachother to allow any logs that may be disturbed to settle. We did not see or have any issues with wayward logs this day.
This free dock (with power!) is right before the Deep Creek Lock, which will be our exit of the Dismal Swamp in the morning. Docked overnight included Stinkpot and boat with nice family—can’t remember their boat name.
Deep Creek Lockmaster’s office. Plaque includes the completion of the Dismal Swamp - 1805.
Departing through open gate.
Elizabeth River enroute to Norfolk, VA. Drastic change of scenery—still a beautiful day.