The Harvey Canal Marker
The Harvey Canal Highway Marker is significant because it highlights the historical development of a vital waterway connecting the Mississippi River and Bayou Barataria, the ingenious engineering solutions employed in its early operation, and its eventual integration into the larger Gulf Intracoastal Waterway system, demonstrating its lasting importance for transportation and commerce in the region.
Significance:
The marker commemorates the history and importance of the Harvey Canal. Key points of significance include:
- Early Construction: It notes that the canal was originally the Destrehan Canal, dug before 1845.
- Connecting Waterways: The canal’s primary significance lies in its role in connecting the Mississippi River to Bayou Barataria, providing a crucial navigable waterway.
- “Submarine Railway”: The marker highlights the innovative “Submarine Railway,” which lifted boats over the levee until the successful completion of locks in 1907. This demonstrates the engineering challenges and solutions involved in the canal’s development.
- Integration into the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: It indicates that the Harvey Canal became part of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in 1924, underscoring its continued importance for regional navigation and commerce.