ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL ROUTE

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In case logs are lost in Deep Creek, the Dismal Swamp Canal, or Turners Cut, the reports required of masters of towboats above must be made in writing to the nearest lock master, and by mail to the United States Engineer Office at Norfolk, Va.

In case logs are lost in the waterway north of the crossing of the New Holland, Higginsport & Mt. Vernon Railroad, the report required of masters of towboats above, must be made, in writing, to the bridge keeper of each United States bridge subsequently passed; to each canal office he may pass; and, by mail, to the United States Engineer Office at Norfolk, Va.

In case logs are lost in the portion of the waterway between the crossing of the New Holland, Higginsport & Mt. Vernon Railroad and Cape Fear River, N. C., the above report shall be made to the United States Engineer Office at Wilmington, N. C.

(k) Buoyancy of logs.-No section of a raft will be permitted to be towed through the waterway, or any portion thereof, unless the logs in the section float sufficiently high in the water to make it evident that the section will not sink en route.

18. Damage.—Masters of tugs or other persons in charge of tows shall avoid damaging canal revetments, lock piers, bridge fenders, and displacing or damaging buoys, stakes, spars, or other aids to navigation, or the pedestals of any range light or other aid to navigation. They shall keep careful watch when passing bridges and aids to navigation and should any fenders be accidentally damaged or should an aid to navigation be accidentally damaged or displaced, they shall report the fact at the earliest possible moment to the nearest Government lock keeper, bridge keeper, or canal office, and by mail, if north of the crossing of the New Holland, Higginsport & Mt. Vernon Railroad, to the United States Engineer Office at Norfolk, Va.; and if south of said crossing, to the United States Engineer Office at Wilmington, N. C.

19. Refuse in waterway.-Attention is invited to the provisions of section 13 of the River and Harbor Act of March 3, 1899, printed below.

The passing of coal from flats or barges to steamers while in the lock is prohibited.

20. Trespass on canal property.-Trespass on canal property or injury to the canal banks, locks, bridges, piers, fences, trees, houses, shops, or any other property of the United States, pertaining to the canal, is strictly forbidden. No business, trading, or landing of freight or baggage will be allowed on or over canal piers, bridges, or lock walls.

21. These regulations shall take effect and be in force on and after the date of approval hereof and all regulations or parts of regulations applying to the above-named waterways in conflict therewith are hereby revoked to take effect on that date.

Approved May 31, 1933.

GEO. H. DERN, Secretary of War.

NOTE. Copies of these regulations are posted in the offices at the canal locks.

ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL ROUTE

Southern Branch of Elizabeth River (chart 452) forms the northern approach to the two canals which afford passages from Chesapeake Bay to the inland waters of North Carolina. This branch is of considerable commercial importance. There are several large lumber mills and other manufactories at which vessels load, and the commerce using the canals also passes through the branch. Between the navy yard at Portsmouth and Deep Creek the branch is crossed by three railroad drawbridges and one highway bridge; two drawbridges cross the branch above Deep Creek; the least width of draw opening is 80 feet. There was a depth of not less than 38 feet (11.6 m) in 1934 in the channel from Cape Henry, through Thimble Shoal Channel, Norfolk Harbor, and the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, past the navy yard and up to a point 600 yards below the first bridge (Belt Line Railway); thence 33 feet (10.0 m) to the bridge.

Between the first and third bridges the project provides for a channel 375 feet wide and 30 feet (9.1 m) deep; between the third and fourth bridges, 200 feet wide and 25 feet (7.6 m) deep; between the fourth bridge and the entrance to the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal, 12 feet (3.7 m) deep. In 1934 the controlling depths were 281/2, 25, and 1112 feet (8.7, 7.6, and 3.6 m).

The channel for its whole length of 10 miles is marked by ranges, buoys, and beacons, and in daylight is not difficult to navigate as far as the entrance to Deep Creek. Above this to the entrance of the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal most of the worst bends have been eliminated by dredging straight cuts through the marshes. These cuts are marked in conformity with the intracoastal waterway system.

The Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal is Government owned and is free of tolls. This canal connects the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River with North Landing River. The canal is 74 miles long with a controlling depth of 1112 feet (3.5 m) in 1935. It is crossed by four drawbridges, all having draw openings. At the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge, 11/2 miles east of Great Bridge, there is a clearance width of 46 feet, which is the controlling width in the canal. Some of the bridges are opened by hand power and swing slowly. Due consideration should be given this fact by approaching vessels. There is a tidal lock at the western entrance at Great Bridge, Va. All boats are required to stop in the lock and furnish certain statistics relative to the vessel's name, rig, registered number, tonnage, dimensions, draft, valuation, date, and place of construction, port of hail, owner, master, passengers, and freight. The dimensions of the lock are: Width, 75 feet (22.9 m); length, 600 feet (182.9 m); depth over still, 16 feet (4.9 m). The maximum vertical lift is about 312 feet. Great Bridge is a small post village on Albermarle & Chesapeake Canal about 700 yards eastward from the west end of the canal. There is a paved highway and telephone and auto-bus connection with Norfolk.

There is a yacht basin on the south side of the canal a short distance eastward of Great Bridge. Supplies, gasoline, Diesel oil, lubricants, and free fresh water and temporary dockage are obtainable. A marine railway capable of hauling vessels up to 90 feet (27.4 m) in length and a tonnage of 50 tons is under construction (December 1934).

North Landing River (charts 3252, 406, and 1227) is 9 miles long in its narraw part from the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal to North Landing River Light No. 19, is 100 to 300 feet (30.5 to 91.4 m) wide and has a least depth of 11.4 feet (3.5 m), which exists between North Landing and North Landing Bridge. The river is well marked by lights and beacons on the east side of the channel.

Southward of North Landing River Light No. 19 the channel is a dredged cut, 250 feet wide, through the broad part of North Landing River and 90 feet wide through Coinjock Bay and Canal to the head. of North River, a total distance of 1812 miles from North Landing River Light No. 19. Bush stakes placed on the east side of the channel between North Landing River Lights Nos. 19 and 41, and on the west side of the channel between North River Lights Nos. 1 and 5, assist in defining the channel. At the south end of

DIRECTIONS, ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL ROUTE 75

Coinjock Bay spoil banks and stakes indicate the dredged cut. Spar buoys mark the west side of the channel opposite North Landing River Lights Nos. 33 and 37.

Tides. There are no tides in these waters, and the water level depends on the force and direction of the wind. Northerly winds lower the water and southerly winds raise it, there being at times a difference of 2 feet or more below or above the normal, with strong, long-continued winds from one direction.

Munden (charts 3252, 406, and 1227) is a post village and railroad terminal on the east side of North Landing River, eastward of North Landing River Light No. 23. From the dredged cut a depth of 72 feet (2.3 m) can be carried to the ruins of the wharf at Munden.

Currituck is a small village on the west side opposite the mouth of North Landing River. A cut has been dredged across Coinjock Bay to the mainland southeastward of Bell Island. It is known as Long Point Cut" and is marked by Long Point Cut Entrance and Long Point Cut Channel Beacons.

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Coinjock is a post village on the canal between Coinjock Bay and North River. Gasoline, Diesel oil, and some supplies may be obtained here and storm warnings are displayed. Fresh water is not available in any quantity. There is a lighthouse depot and a good wharf here. A drawbridge crosses the canal at Coinjock. A good highway leads from Coinjock to Norfolk, Elizabeth City, and to Manteo on Roanoke Island.

North River (charts 3252 and 1228) is 411⁄2 miles long in its narrower part from North River Light No. 1 to North River Light No. 19, and thence for 7 miles to the entrance at North River Point the river is wide and nearly straight. The river has a general depth of 9 feet (2.7 m), with a dredged channel 12 feet (3.7 m) least depth over the bar at the entrance. Lights mark the easterly side of the channel of the Intracoastal Waterway which had a controlling depth of 11 feet (3.4 m) in November 1934. The channel is also marked by buoys and a lighted range across the bar at the south entrance to the river. Bush stakes mark the west side of the channel from North River Light No. 1 to North River Light No. 5.

DIRECTIONS, ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL ROUTE

Local knowledge is required in a few places to carry the best water, but vessels, proceeding with care and exercising extra caution in the few places mentioned, should be able to carry 11 feet (3.4 m) through the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal with the aid of the charts and these directions. Strangers are advised not to run at night.

The places requiring extra caution are the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River above the mouth of Deep Creek and North Landing River.

Norfolk to head of North Landing River, 18 miles (charts 452, 1227, 3252). The Southern Branch of Elizabeth River has a length of 6 miles to the mouth of Deep Creek and 10 miles to the entrance of the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal. There is a tidal guard lock at the western end of the canal at Great Bridge, Va., and vessels are required to stop and furnish certain statistics to the United States engineers. Entering the Southern Branch between Portsmouth and Berkley,

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follow a midriver course until through the first (swing) bridge (Belt Line Railway). When through the draw and up to black spar buoy no. 1, steer about 189° true (S. by W. 14 W. mag.), passing through the draw of the highway (vertical lift) bridge, and continuing on course to the draw of the third (swing) bridge (Virginian Railway). When through and above the third bridge, pass southeastward of red spar buoy no. 4 and steer 248° true (WSW. 11⁄2 W. mag.) for % mile, passing midway between the red and black spar buoys. When between buoys nos. 8 and 5, which mark the turn, steer 184° true (S. 7% W. mag.) and pass about 150 feet off the wharves of the creosote works on the eastern side at Money Point. Then pass red spar buoy no. 10, which marks the turn, and steer 230° true (SW. by W. mag.), heading for St. Julian Light on naval magazine wharf.

Pass about 200 feet off the magazine wharf and haul southward and eastward, leaving the black buoy to northward, and pass about 200 feet off the southern bank. When abreast black spar buoy no. 11, steer 88° true (E. % S. mag.), heading midway between a red buoy and a small wharf on the northern side. When past the buoy, haul gradually southward for the draw of the fourth (bascule lift) bridge (Norfolk & Western Railway), passing 100 feet eastward of red spar buoy no. 16.

From the draw of the fourth bridge, slightly favor the eastern bank for 1/4 mile, then favor the western bank for a distance of 12 mile, and then cross so as to favor the eastern bank when abreast the mouth of Deep Creek. The Dismal Swamp Canal Route to Albemarle Sound passes up Deep Creek.

From off the mouth of Deep Creek follow the eastern bank, passing eastward of Deep Creek Junction Buoy (lighted, red and black horizontally striped buoy off the mouth of the creek) and eastward of the red spar buoy no. 4 above it. Then change course gradually to 188° true (S. by W. 14 W. mag.), and favor the west bank from the point on that side to the wharf of the burned mill just north of the fifth (swing) bridge (N. & P. B. L. Railway).

Then pass through the draw and follow the west bank from the next point on that side to black spar buoy no. 5 just above it. Then haul over gradually so as to follow the east bank for a short distance above the next point on that side; and then follow the west bank from the point on that side, through the east draw of the sixth (swing) bridge, and to the bend 1/4 mile above the bridge.

Passing north of the reflector beacon, go through a short dredged cut-off in midchannel until past red spar buoy no. 8, which lies in the next bend. Then keep in midriver when passing black spar buoy no. 9 in the next bend, and pass south of the reflector beacon and through a short cut-off.

Be guided by the buoys into a dredged cut (the river bends to the northward). After passing through the cut and south of reflector beacon no. 15 cross the river, leave beacon no. 17 to the northward and enter a long cut leading to the canal entrance, course 115° true (SE. by E. 14 E. mag.).

Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.-All boats are required to stop and report at the lock at the canal entrance at Great Bridge. No directions are necessary for the run through the canal; a good lookout should be kept for logs and snags. Careful steering will be required

DIRECTIONS, ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL ROUTE

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going through the railroad drawbridge (Norfolk Southern Railroad) which has a horizontal clearance of 45.9 feet (14.0 m), the minimum horizontal clearance of this route. Three highway bridges, in addition to the railroad bridge at Great Bridge, span the canal. Speed should be reduced on approaching the bridges and signals (three distinct blasts of a whistle, horn, or megaphone) should be given in sufficient time for them to be readily opened.

North Landing River, Currituck Sound, and Coinjock Bay to the head of North River, 28 miles (charts 1227, 406, 3252).-North Landing River from the canal to North Landing River Light No. 19, a distance of 9 miles, is 100 to 300 feet wide and has a least depth of 11.8 feet (3.6 m) at mean low water off North Landing River Light No. 5. It is crooked, but the bends are, as a rule, easy. Several of the worst bends have been eliminated by dredging 12-foot (3.7 m) channels through the marshy points. Vessels should keep in the middle of the river and give the points a good berth in rounding them. Some trouble may be experienced from snags or sunken logs. Two or three branches in the upper part of the river might confuse a stranger, but with the aid of the chart no serious trouble need be had from this cause.

About 112 miles below the bridge at North Landing is the first cut-off. Take the left-hand channel marked by North Landing River Light No. 3 on the east side, passing to eastward of a clump of pines; a wreck visible only at low water lies in the old river channel at the eastern end. There is another short cut marked by North Landing River Light No. 5. Pass to westward of this light. On the west bank at the southern end of this cut is a lone pine tree. The remains of an old wharf in the bend below West Neck Creek and south of a stream entering from the west show at all stages of the water level. About 1/2 mile below the stream a large bend to the westward has been cut off by dredging. The southern entrance of the cut is marked by North Landing River Light No. 7. In entering the cut take the left-hand channel and pass to westward of the light. In a bight just below the cut-off are a few piles that do not show at high

water.

Enter the left-hand passage at the short cut about 0.3 mile above North Landing River Light No. 11. This light marks the north end of another cut-off. Take the left-hand opening and pass west of the light. The cut-offs below here are evident and well marked by lights. Between North Landing River Light No. 19 and the head of North River, a distance of 18 miles, the channel is a dredged cut, project depth of 12 feet (3.7 m) and 250 feet wide to the entrance to Coinjock Bay and 12 feet (3.7 m) deep and 90 feet wide from there to the head of North River. The channel is followed easily by means of the lights, which are placed at the turns and along the cut, and the bush stakes which mark the east side of the channel from North Landing River Light No. 19 to Cedar Bay Light No. 41, and the west side from North River Light No. 1 to North Landing River Light No. 53. (Coming from southward, after passing North Landing River Light No. 19, do not confuse a stream leading northwestward with the through route.) In 1935 spoil banks and in some places rows of piling were visible along sections of the cut, on the eastern side between North Landing River Light No. 21 and Cedar