Greenbrier West in Chesapeake, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
What is a Lock?
The Waterways
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 28, 2011
1. What is a Lock? Marker
The Great Bridge Lock is unique, because it is a guard lock—it guards water quality. Fresh water flows into the lock on your left from Currituck Sound in North Carolina. Salty water flows into the lock on your right from the Elizabeth River which connects to the Chesapeake Bay. When the two types of water mix, plants and animals are in danger. In 1915, it was decided to leave the lock open. By 1930, the mixing of the waters adversely impacted wildlife in the Currituck Sound, harming the natural ecology. A new lock was completed in 1932 and remains in operation today.
Another unique feature is the two sets of gates at each end, making this a reversible head lock. Locks are used to raise and lower water levels. Depending on the water levels on each side, the lock operators can open or close four sets of gates and valves in different combinations to direct the water in the lock.
As many as 20 boats can fit in this lock!
You are facing south, looking at the lock. On your left is the Great Bridge bridge and the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. You can see gates A and B. On your right is the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Gates C and D are just out of sight.
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Gateways
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 36° 43.418′ N, 76° 14.812′ W. Marker is in Chesapeake, Virginia. It is in Greenbrier West. Marker can be reached from Locks Road, 0.6 miles west of North Battlefield Boulevard (Virginia Route 168), on the left when traveling west. Located in Great Bridge Lock Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chesapeake VA 23320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Why Build a Canal Here? (here, next to this marker); The Iron Titans Tame the Marsh (here, next to this marker); Liquid Highways (here, next to this marker); Bridging the Past with the Present (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Great Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome (within shouting distance of this marker); Village of Great Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marine Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chesapeake.
Also see . . . Great Bridge Lock Park - Chesapeake, VA. Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network (Submitted on October 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 28, 2011
2. Great Bridge Lock Markers
To the right (west) is the the salty water river end of the lock, leading to Norfolk and the Chesapeake Bay via the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 28, 2011
3. Great Bridge Lock Markers
To the left (east) is the the fresh water canal end, leading to North Carolina and the Currituck Sound via the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 28, 2011
4. Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal Observation Platform
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 856 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
