The Cape Cod Canal

THE CAPE COD CANAL

It's nearly impossible in these parts to find someone who hasn't been over the Cape Cod Canal and it's bridges. If you've ever been on Cape Cod proper and you didn't arrive by plane or boat then your ridden over these majestic bridges. The Sagamore and the Bourne are the two bridges that span the Cape Cod Canal for vehicle traffic as well as a rail bridge that is lowered for each passing train.

There are many scenic locations along the Cape Cod Canal and most can be viewed via the paved walking/biking trail that follows both  its sides totaling more than 13 miles.

Numerous developments can be found along the Cape Cod Canal including Aptucxet Village which is located directly on the Canal Trail on the Cape Side. Presently I have a condo for sale in this development for $205,000. Feel free to view the details on 44 Ships Way in Bourne.

Construction began on the Cape Cod Canal in 1909 by a wealthy business man named August Belmont.  It wasn't until July 14, 1914 the Canal was officially opened as a private Toll Waterway. The original Bourne (shown left) and Sagamore bridges  were completed in 1911 and 1912 respectively.

With World War going on and a German U-Boat firing on the tug Perth Amboy 3 miles off Nauset Beach, Orleans, then President Woodrow Wilson recognized the need to have a much larger, safer canal capable of handling larger vessels and providing a better coastline defense system.

In 1928 a sale was negotiated for $11,500,000 to the Federal Government for the purchase of the Cape Cod Canal. In a short period of time, the government began improving the canal.

By the mid 1930's, two new super bridges, replacing the old Bourne and Sagamore were completed and new vertical lift railroad bridge had been constructed. By 1940 the Cape Cod Canal had been widened to 480ft and 32 feet deep making it the widest sea level canal in the world.

I recently found this 1939 video on You Tube showing the Cape Cod Canal and bridges a few short years after opening. Turn up your speakers and Enjoy!