Dutch Gap Canal

“Blowing out of the bulkhead of the Dutch Gap Canal, James River, Va., January 1st, 1865. At twelve minutes before four o’clock A. M., the mine was sprung, in the presence of General Butler and staff. A dense black smoke, at first immediately following the upheaval of the earth, was succeeded by a ponderous cloud of white smoke, which entirely filled the gap and concealed the result of the scheme. On rolling away it revealed the bank settled again into nearly its former position, but indented with a species of crater, into which the water ran slowly from the canal below. No connection between the canal and the river was immediately established, although as we have intimated, the disturbace of the embankment disposed it suitably for the gradual action of the current, and lightened the subsequent labors of the gang."— Frank Leslie, 1896

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