Turn-of-the-twentieth century postcard image depicting the headgates and locks of the Augusta Canal in Augusta, Georgia. Initial work began on the Augusta Canal in 1845. Proposed by Augusta native Henry H. Cumming, the canal was designed to generate the waterpower necessary to support Augusta's growing manufacturing industry. In addition to providing waterpower, the canal also served as a source of transportation for manufactured goods. Between 1872 and 1875 the canal was enlarged and lengthened from seven miles to nine miles long. Hundreds of Chinese immigrants came to Augusta during this time and served as the primary labor force for the enlargement of the canal. In 1996 the Augusta Canal was named a National Heritage Area by the National Parks Service.

Inscribed on verso: "Augusta, Ga., Dec. 18, [no year], The girls have gone and our vacation has begun. The Dows leave this afternoon. I am going in to church this morning and will write later. --Lovingly, Ella."

Addressed to Mrs. Caroline M. Mayo, Orange, Mass.

Original postcard scanned and described by the Digital Library of Georgia as a part of Georgia HomePLACE: an initiative of the Georgia Public Library Service and GALILEO.