More on Caroline County canal
More on Caroline County canal
Date published: 12/2/2008
More on Caroline County canal
This is regarding a recent article about a canal dug in Caroline County ["Canal's history remains mystery," Town & County, Nov. 22].
I recall reading about it being dug after Richmond forces attacked the North, I believe at Gettysburg.
The Northern military wanted to intercept the heavy wagons and equipment of Southern forces on its retreat toward Richmond. I believe the only quality route passed west of Thornburg.
The North had to secretly move heavy cannons by water up the Mattaponi River system beyond where the river became overgrown.
It was decided the canal would best keep secret the Northern trap. It succeeded, and only a few on foot made it south of the trap.
Howard Potter
West Point
Date published: 12/2/2008
Most recent reader comments:
Strange History
(posted by
edwinking
, Dec. 2, 2008 10:33 am)  
Mr. Potter, this is indeed a very strange view of the real history. My family members, and hundred of thousands more, would be surprised to know they were "Richmond forces". They though they were CSA forces. This is a view that many in Virginia seem to have lost or never knew. You could have told us how General Longstreet lost that battle at Gettysburg by delaying the attack of those Richmond forces until it was too late.That seems to be the Virginia view.
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