Welcome
The alteration to the Great to the Dismal Swamp’s water flow (hydrology) has been causing flooding in the Virginia communities. The ditching and dams that were built during George Washington’s era has led to, too much water in some areas, while other areas become so dry that wildfires break out and cannot be controlled. The Great Dismal Swamp suffered from 2 major wildfires that took months and 20 million to extinguish. This impacts the tourism of the surrounding urban areas as well as the public’s health. Virginia's homes are at a high risk too. When Hurricane Isabel made landfall in 2003, Virginia suffered $925 million in damages to insured properties. In 2011, Virginia was hit again by Hurricane Irene and this resulted in $182 million in damages.
This website will provide pertinent information about the Great Dismal Swamp, and some of its challenges. Feel free to browse around.
This website will provide pertinent information about the Great Dismal Swamp, and some of its challenges. Feel free to browse around.
History
In 1728 British Army Colonel William Byrd II was credited for giving the Great Dismal Swamp its name. He believed that the swamp was not habitable and that birds wouldn't even fly over it. He was also the first person to suggest that the swamp should be drained and a canal should be built. In the year of 1728, George Washington and his associates came along and formed the company called "Adventurers" (Hansen, 2010). The purpose of the company was to drain the swamp and harvest the lumber. They also intended to have the land used to farm on. The Adventurers were successful in creating small canals, including the Washington Ditch (Hansen, 2010).
Between 1790-1801 the General Assembly passed an act to construct the Albemarle Sound. Slaves were used for labor and locks were built at the end of the canal. During the war of 1812 a feeder canal was built from Lake Drummond, but was of little use to large ships (Hansen, 2010).
By 1826, long after the war was over the U.S. Army Topographical Engineers took over the responsibilities of the canal and was charged with assessing its conditions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charles Gratiot proposed an embankment be built at the entrance of Deep Creek. This increased commercial traffic and tourist. It was also a route used for runaway slaves. Today the canal is still managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is mostly used by recreational vessels (Hansen, 2010).
Between 1790-1801 the General Assembly passed an act to construct the Albemarle Sound. Slaves were used for labor and locks were built at the end of the canal. During the war of 1812 a feeder canal was built from Lake Drummond, but was of little use to large ships (Hansen, 2010).
By 1826, long after the war was over the U.S. Army Topographical Engineers took over the responsibilities of the canal and was charged with assessing its conditions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charles Gratiot proposed an embankment be built at the entrance of Deep Creek. This increased commercial traffic and tourist. It was also a route used for runaway slaves. Today the canal is still managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is mostly used by recreational vessels (Hansen, 2010).