Alexandria Construction Uncovers Part of a Historic Canal

The Alexandria Canal, operational for less than 50 years since its opening in the 1840s, was recently rediscovered by archaeologists as part of a pre-construction investigation for a new apartment building. Historical maps indicated remnants might exist on the site. Excavating through layers of concrete, the team uncovered significant findings, including sandstone walls and a wooden canal-lock floor, which couldn't be preserved. The dismantled walls were relocated to Montgomery Park for possible reuse in a future waterfront park, emphasizing archaeological diligence before development.

The investigative process began with the developers of an apartment building contacting archaeologists, suspecting remnants of the historic Alexandria Canal lay beneath the site.

Using heavy equipment like backhoes and excavators, archaeologists successfully uncovered sandstone walls and the remains of a wooden canal-lock floor, which unfortunately cannot be preserved.

The walls of the canal were carefully dismantled and transported to Montgomery Park, where they will be stored and potentially reused in a future waterfront park.

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