The canal separates the Westelijke Eilanden (Western Islands) of the Centrum district from the Zeeheldenbuurt in Amsterdam-West.

The canal is already shown on the city map of Gerrit de Broen from 1737 as "Soutkeets Graft".

These were sheds along the canal where the coarse salt was processed and made suitable for domestic use.

This has cleared up a lot of confusion among postmen, visitors and buyers.

[1] As a result, the tram stop is no longer in the street whose name it bears.