Beginning at an artificially constructed basin adjacent to the Elbe River in Grödel, Saxony, the canal runs in a northeasterly direction through the western Großenhainer Pflege region.

In its course, it passes by the villages of Glaubitz, Radewitz, Marksiedlitz, Streumen, Wülknitz, Koselitz, Tiefenau, Pulsen, Gröditz, Prösen and ultimately reaches Elsterwerda.

Along the riparian zones, observations have identified bush carnation, alpine butterwort, marsh gentian, and the abundant presence of reeds in certain areas.

[4] In the map of the German Empire published in 1907 by Perthes in Gotha and in the Vienna Peace Treaty of 1815 (Article 17) the canal is called Elsterwerdaer-Floßgraben.

[2] Under the rule of Saxon Elector Friedrich August I, also known as Augustus the Strong, there was a significant surge in construction activity in the Dresden/Meissen area.

Since the Ore Mountains were already extensively exploited, and Bohemian timber was costly, attention turned to the vast forested areas in the northern part of the Electorate.

While the lower course of the Pulsnitz had undergone substantial straightening efforts for drainage purposes since the 16th century through the construction of the new Pulsnitzgraben, the Schwarze Elster flowed through the lowlands in numerous small, winding tributaries.

[2][11] The most suitable way to bring the coveted raw material to the royal city by the shortest route seemed to be a connection between the Black Elster and the Elbe, which was yet to be built.

Due to extensive investigations, calculations, and tests, the commencement of construction was repeatedly postponed to ensure the project's profitability.

Additionally, there were contentious debates about the canal's route; an alternative line from Prieschka to Stehla had been considered but faced strong opposition from influential figures who deemed it too costly, among other concerns.

Construction of the canal finally commenced after the death of Augustus the Strong in 1733, under the rule of Elector Friedrich August II in 1742.

[2] Excavation work proved to be highly expensive, securing a reliable workforce was a persistent issue, and difficulties arose in establishing a connection to the Elbe and the Prösen sluice.

The presence of unfavorable foundation soil, specifically alluvial sand, posed a significant challenge, leading to multiple renovations of the Prösen sluice.

[13] After six years of construction and after it had been flooded shortly before, the first two barges pulled by bombers finally passed the completed canal in a test run on 2 December 1748.

It took place in the presence of a state canal commission and the meanwhile appointed raft master Schubert and lasted, with an interruption in Prösen, for twelve hours.

In 1725, Baroness Benedicta Margaretha von Löwendal played a pivotal role in establishing an ironworks known as Lauchhammerwerk in the Mückenberg domain.

The noblewoman, who died in 1776 without any direct descendants, bequeathed her property to her godson Detlev Carl von Einsiedel, who owned the Saathain estate about 20 kilometers to the west.

[15][16] Recognizing the economic potential of the raft canal, he established another hammer mill in 1779 in the village of Gröditz, situated along the Röder River, which was part of the Saathain estate.

The factory relied on the abundant water supply from the Große Röder, which flowed through Gröditz, and it obtained permission to use the canal for the transportation of goods.

[2][18] As early as 1827, the Count of Einsiedel managed to secure a new concession on the Saxon side, granting him the privilege of using the canal.

The introduction of the railroad posed significant competition for the previous mode of goods transportation on the raft canal, leading to a decline in its importance.

As early as 1912, an essay by K. Mende in the local history supplement "Die Schwarze Elster" to the "Liebenwerdaer Kreisblatt" reported, "A transverse dam has been drawn through the Gröditzer sluice, which holds back the Röder water in the section of the canal facing the Elbe."

In 1754, the authorities once again commissioned Johann Müller, who had proven his expertise, to conduct the initial investigations for this expansion project.

It's worth noting that in the 1950s, there were specific plans to revive the canal as a shipping route to the Elbe, even including the construction of a harbor at the Gröditzer steelworks, this project was also shelved.

Water from the canal was distributed to these areas through extensive sprinkler systems, supported by a network of pipes stretching over 178 kilometers.

The presence of the canal created job opportunities for its management, and it provided an efficient means of transporting larger quantities of materials and merchandise quickly and cost-effectively through the established waterway.

Furthermore, the canal served various other functions, including as a place for washing horses, harvesting ice, and even as a bathing area, demonstrating its versatility.

[2] The logs were primarily transported through various channels, including the main raft ditch, the Pulsnitz, and the Schwarze Elster, making their way to the lumber yard in Elsterwerda.

At the Grödel lumber yard, the freight underwent further temporary storage or was reloaded onto ships and barges that operated on the Elbe.

As the waterway later began to be used for general and bulk cargo, different designs were employed, capable of carrying approximately 25 tons.