The Augusta Canal Interpretive Center

At the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill you'll learn the stories of people, progress and promise of a unique piece of American history. The Canal Interpretive Center that tells the story of how a city used its waterways to reinvent itself and define its destiny. The Center has been developed by the Augusta Canal Authority in partnership with the National Park Service.

ORIENTATION FILM

"The Power of A Canal" - A fascinating 10-minute film is 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.

THE EXHIBITS

The Hydropower
Demonstration Turbine

The waters of the Augusta Canal surge through this demonstration turbine, creating hydro-mechanical power which 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 a mill   workers
· Wartime Industry-serving the   Confederacy
· Pride of the South

Hydroelectricity and the Canal
· The City Electric
· Electrifying Enterprise Mill
· The Penstock
· How Hydroelectricity Works

Boat Parties and Picnics
· Leisure and the Canal

Workers' Life
· The Company House-
Living in the Factory District
· Eviction
· Labor vs. Management

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

DIRECTIONS:
From I-20: I-20 to Exit 200-Riverwatch Parkway. Left on Riverwatch approx. 5 miles to 13th Street. Right on 13th Street (0.1 mi.)
to Greene Street. Right on Greene (0.3 mi.) to Enterprise Mill.

From Riverwalk area/Cotton Exchange: Reynolds Street westbound to 13th Street. Turn Left. At 2nd traffic light, turn right. Travel approximately 0.3 miles to Enterprise Mill. Entrance on West (far) side of Mill.
View Map

(888) 659-8926

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