Augusta Canal Interpretive Center | Augusta, Georgia
1450 Greene St. in Enterprise Mill (Ste. 400)Augusta GA 30901
Phone: 706-262-4001
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The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill is a Georgia interactive museum that tells the story of how Augusta used its waterways to reinvent itself and define its destiny. There is information on hydroelectricity, the history of the mills along the Augusta Canal and the life of mill workers, and the 20th century decline of the mills and the effects on the canal. There are models, movies and working mill machinery.
Developed by the Augusta Canal Authority in partnership with the National Park Service, the 10,000-square foot Augusta Canal Interpretive Center is located in the old Enterprise Mill, a restored textile mill.
Orientation Film
"The Power of A Canal" is a fascinating 10-minute film shown at intervals in the state-of-the art, surround-sound theater just off the lobby. It sets the stage for your Interpretive Center experiences.
Exhibits
There are a number of exhibits at the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center that explain how the Augusta Canal was built and how it works:
“The Hydropower Demonstration Turbine”
- The waters of the Augusta Canal surge through this demonstration turbine, creating hydro-mechanical power that drives the line shaft mounted on the ceiling.
- The paddle fan above the gift shop operates directly from the line shaft power.
“Braving the Rapids”
- The Petersburg Boat
- Petersburg Boat Captain and Cargo
“Building the Canal”
- Augusta before the Canal
- Henry Cumming, Canal Visionary
- How the Canal was Built
“How the Canal Works”
- Canal Model
- Transportation
- Water Works
- Waterpower
“Mill & Boom Times”
- Augusta's Industrial Triumph
- From Cotton to Cloth
- How It's Done—Weaving Process and Looms
- Working the Mill—Mill Work and Mill Workers
- Wartime Industry—Serving the Confederacy
- Pride of the South
“Workers' Life”
- The Company House—Living in the Factory District
- Eviction
- Labor vs. Management
“Hydroelectricity and the Canal”
- The City Electric
- Electrifying Enterprise Mill
- The Penstock
- How Hydroelectricity Works
“New Waters, New Life—The Canal in the 20th Century”
- Floods and Fires
- What Happened to the Mills
- The Last Days of Enterprise Mill
- The Canal—Neglect and Decline
- Return to the Waters
- The Canal and River Today
- Augusta Happenings
“Boat Parties and Picnics”
- Leisure and the Canal
Outdoors
The Augusta Canal Interpretive Center is part of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Georgia’s first designated National Heritage Area. Besides visiting the Interpretive Center, you can enjoy the Augusta Canal on foot, by bicycle, canoe or kayak. You can fish from the banks, watch for wildlife, or relax on a guided tour aboard a replica canal cargo boat.
Tagged with: Museums in Georgia National Parks in Georgia
Photo Gallery
Augusta Canal Photo Gallery
Built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation, the Augusta Canal is the only intact industrial canal in the American South in continuous use. Today, canal boat tours, hiking, biking and paddling opportunities, and the Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill bring the Augusta Canal to life in the 21st Century.
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Video
Visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Built in 1845 to harness the water and power of the Savannah River, the Augusta Canal offers history, recreation and unique experiences along miles of towpath, trail and waterway.
Related Blogs
Augusta Canal History
Built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation, the Augusta Canal was one of the few successful industrial canals in the American South.
City Tours in Georgia: Augusta Canal Boat Tours
Built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation, the Augusta Canal is the only intact industrial canal in the American South in continuous use.
