TRAVEL

The Riverwalk in downtown Augusta, Georgia provides residents and visitors a great opportunity to learn about the history of Georgia, see wildlife, relax, or exercise along the banks of the Savannah River.

The Savannah River was the first means of transportation and commerce for Augusta, Georgia. Augusta was founded in 1735 by James Oglethorpe. The city was located where upstream travel ended due to the falls of the river. A canal was later built to allow traffic to pass the falls and continue upriver.

The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company reached Hamburg, across the river from Augusta in 1833 with a 136 mile line from Charleston, South Carolina. The River was finally bridged eliminating the need for ferry boats in 1853. The Piers of the 1853 Savannah River bridge at Augusta are still visible next to the Jefferson Davis Highway (5th Street) Bridge.

The current 6th Street bridge replaced the original one in the early 1900′s and carries the Norfolk Southern Railroad into downtown Augusta where it runs in the middle of the street for several blocks before reaching the yard. This style of street-trackage, once common, has become increasingly rare as cities try to remove the traffic problems the trains can cause.

The tracks pass the Augusta History Museum which includes a nice railroad display including retired Southern Railway Steam Locomotive 302 in all its glory, and a trolley car from the Augusta Streetcar Line.

The Riverwalk and surrounding area provide many photographic opportunities of boats, water, flowers, and birds. It also provides a wonderful place for a picnic or walk.

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