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Canalapalooza!
Columbia Canal... Introduce Yourself to the Fall Line
How can fish climb a ladder when they don't have any feet? Do you know where our drinking water comes from? How did Great Grandma get that family heirloom from Charleston to the Upstate? The answers to these questions will be evident when you join us as we continue the celebration of our 25th Anniversary at Canalapalooza... An introduction to the Columbia Canal and Fall Line History on Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1:00-5:00pm at Riverfront Park. Joining us in this event will be the City of Columbia, Historic Columbia Foundation, the SC State Museum and USC's McKissick Museum.
The Fall Line marks the area where an upland region and a coastal plain meet, and the rivers cease to be navigable by boat. Along the eastern coast of the United States, this area is over 1500 Kilometers long, ranging from New Brunswick NJ, down to Wetumpka Alabama. You're probably wondering…"What does that have to do with the Columbia Canal?" The Fall Line in South Carolina is right here in Columbia where the three rivers meet. It played a major role in the development of Columbia and the canal, and was a transition zone geographically, economically and culturally here in the Midlands during the early 1800s.
The original Columbia Canal was constructed between 1820 and 1824 as a means to navigate around the rapids of the Broad River where it joins the Saluda to form the Congaree River. According to Karen Kustafik, Park Ranger Coordinator, 
"The canal played an important role in the commercial and industrial development of Columbia, and contributed substantially to the emergence of Columbia as the center of commerce for the state".
The canal we see today was constructed in the 1890s and continues to serve as a source of power and water for the City of Columbia as well as a recreational destination for residents and visitors to enjoy year round.
Canalapalooza is a free family event and will feature:
- Exhibits from local cultural organizations
- Discount tickets to the State Museum's Fall Line Exhibit which opens September 26
- Ranger guided walking tours on the half hour discussing plant geology and history of the Canal
- Tours of the old Pump & Turbine House
- Local well-known speakers
- Kayak demonstrations
- Special guest appearance from the canal's architect…Robert Mills!
Exciting things are happening at the Columbia Canal, so slather on the sunscreen, bring your picnic lunch, lawn chair, comfortable walking shoes and have fun exploring the Columbia Canal and Fall Line History at Canalapalooza!
Founded on 1984, Columbia Green is a non-profit volunteer driven organization that promotes horticulture and conservation to beautify the Greater Columbia Metropolitan area.
Columbia Green would like to thank Karen Kustafik, Park Ranger Coordinator with the City, for providing these wonderful images of the canal.
