Wetumpka in Elmore County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Lock 31
Elmore County
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 13, 2022
1. Lock 31 Marker
In 1889, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built, a series of 31 locks and dams on the Coosa River. Lock 31 is the last in that series. The project was intended to assist steamboat travel through a series of river rapids starting as far north as Rome, Georgia, and ending with the treacherous 'Devil's Staircase" in Wetumpka. Due to the emergence of trains, high costs of the project, the impending Spanish-American War, and continual setbacks, construction of the lock ended in 1896. The lock was never completed or put into use. In the late 20th century, Alabama Power made the only addition to Lock 31 when they installed a water level measuring gauge.
Listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on October 25, 2018
Erected by Main Street Wetumpka.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 2018.
Location. 32° 32.29′ N, 86° 12.541′ W. Marker is in Wetumpka, Alabama, in Elmore County. It is on Dozier Street south of West Bridge Street, on the left when traveling south. Located next to the Public Boat Access Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wetumpka AL 36092, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Tri-Counties River Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Baptist Church of Wetumpka (about 400 feet
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. First Presbyterian Church (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Lock 31 added to state historic registry. Wetumpka Journal website entry (2019) (Submitted on July 10, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 13, 2022
2. Lock 31 Marker with Coosa River & Bibb Graves Bridge in background.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 13, 2022
3. Lock 31 along side the Coosa River and Boat Access area.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,629 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
