It was built to provide a direct water route between Charleston and Columbia, the new state capital of South Carolina.

Due to sparse traffic, poor construction, and droughts, the canal was not a financial success.

[4][5] Additional pictures and information are available from the Historic American Buildings Survey at the Library of Congress.

[6] Old Santee Canal Park is located in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

The park is situated at Stony Landing, the former southernmost section of the canal.