These canals were used to transport trade goods between large inland bodies of water all along the Gulf Coast, this canal was constructed and used sometime between 500-600 AD.
The first known account of the Prehistoric Trade Canal in Gulf Shores was made in a report to Congress in 1827 by Army Captain Daniel E. Burch. There have been stories about this canal and others like it since the beginning of European settlement in North America. These canals were used to transport trade goods between large inland bodies of water all along the Gulf Coast, this canal was constructed and used sometime between 500-600 AD. Currently, only two sections of the Gulf Shores canal are known, but much of the canal has been covered by current development. The City of Gulf Shores owns one section, at Little Lagoon and is currently trying to restore and interpret the area. This canal is the only known canal this far west. Places in Peril seeks to elevate the awareness of the community about this site. Most of the canal is at risk from development pressures in the area and may have already been destroyed. It’s imperative the community recognizes this site and its contribution to the history of the Gulf Coast.
7 Comments
1/10/2022 01:48:08 pm
Baldwin County Commission is to provide customer-focused services to people who live, Currently, only two sections of the Gulf Shores canal are known, but much of the canal has been covered by current development. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!
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1/15/2024 07:59:28 am
This is great to know! The acknowledgment of the canal's risk from development pressures highlights the importance of community awareness and preservation efforts. The initiative to elevate awareness through Places in Peril is essential for safeguarding the historical legacy of the Gulf Shores canal.
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1/22/2024 05:18:05 am
It's essential to raise awareness about the significance of the Prehistoric Trade Canal and the threat it faces from development. Preserving historical sites is crucial for understanding the Gulf Coast's rich history.
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1/30/2024 03:38:44 am
It's important to raise awareness about the Prehistoric Trade Canal in Gulf Shores and the threats it faces from development. Thanks for shedding light on this piece of history and the efforts to restore and protect it.
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2/4/2024 10:53:51 pm
Appreciate the awareness about the Gulf Shores canal! Recognizing and protecting such historical sites from development pressures is crucial for preserving the rich history of the Gulf Coast.
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2/19/2024 04:50:19 am
It's interesting to learn about the efforts to preserve and interpret the remaining sections of the Gulf Shores canal, especially considering its importance in facilitating trade along the Gulf Coast. Thanks for providing insight into this lesser-known aspect of history.
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Alabama's Endangered Historic LandmarksEach year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate. Archives
May 2023
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