Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.
Search Results
2 results
for Dams--Tar River
Currently viewing results 1 - 2
|
PAGE
OF 1
|
Record #:
22864
Author(s):
Abstract:
The Tar River was the lifeline of Greenville and many other Eastern North Carolina towns. To open it to more boat traffic and to increase economic growth, efforts were made to convert the Tar River into a locked river by building dams. In 1848/49 NC Legislature passed an appropriation of $25,000 to clean out the Tar River. A Colonel W.B. Thompson in 1853 stated that the river needed low dams and locks--at Sycamore Shoal, Bryant's Creek, Walston's Landing, and a half-mile from Sparta. In 1854 Colonel Thompson began building the locks, but the work was suspended in 1857. Another partial dam was built through the low grounds North of the river to the bridge in 1892.
Source:
Subject(s):
Record #:
23351
Author(s):
Abstract:
It was during the years 1840-1850 that the concept of putting locks and dams in the un-navigable Tar River came to fruition. It began in 1849 when the steamboat “Amidas” had trouble getting up the river due to debris. An Improvement Board was set up to clear the river for navigation. Col. W.B. Thompson proposed a series of locks and dams in order to obtain a sufficient depth in the channel, but due to cost by 1857 the State refused to pay anymore and the improvements were suspended and the materials sold. Lock remnants were still used as late as 1899. A partial dam was constructed in 1892 attached to the Tar River Bridge.
Source:
Subject(s):