Residents can get a rare glimpse of Derby's innovative
past with a drive along Roosevelt Drive while work is being done on the
canals which once served such a vital role in the growth of the city's
manufacturing. The canals came into existence with the building of the
Ousatonic Dam and provided a ready supply of water for the burgeoning
manufacturing growth taking place. A similar canal system existed on the
Shelton side of the river and many remnants still exist. Work is
currently being done on building a new bridge over the canal, and the
water in the canal has been drained exposing the walls of the old canal.
Here's your chance to take a glimpse back in time. Click on each of the
thumbnails to see larger pictures.
![](Dam_small.jpg) |
The key to the canal system is the Ousatonic Dam which
dammed the Housatonic River and diverted the water into the
canals. |
![](Gatehouse_small.jpg) |
This shack and dam on the Derby side mark the beginning of
the canal on the Derby side of the river. |
![](Gatehouse2_small.jpg) |
The dam turns east along Roosevelt Drive. |
![](Canal1_small.jpg) |
This part of the dam is at normal depth as a temporary
gravel dam holds back the water from the area under
construction. |
![](Canal2_small.jpg) |
A long look down the near empty dam. |
![](Canal2a_small.jpg) |
This picture gives a good glimpse of the height of the walls
and their actual construction. |
![](Canal3_small.jpg) |
Another look eastward down the canal. |
![](Canal4_small.jpg) |
Site of the construction of the new bridge across the canal. |
![](Canal6_small.jpg) |
Construction work on the new bridge. |
![](Canal5_small.jpg) |
Years ago, this diversion provided water to one of the
factories along the canal. |
![](Canal7_small.jpg) |
The canal heads east under Roosevelt Drive..... |
![](Canal8_small.jpg) |
...and emerges on the northern side of Roosevelt Drive. |
![](Canal9_small.jpg) |
Looking eastward on the northern section of canal. |
![](Canal10_small.jpg) |
Another diversion |
![](Canal12_small.jpg) |
This carries water under Roosevelt Drive |
![](Canal11_small.jpg) |
Looking westward from the dam at the end of the canal |
![](Canal13_small.jpg) |
The top of the dam at the end of the canal |
![](Canal14_small.jpg) |
Looking up at the dam |
![](Canal15_small.jpg) |
Below the dam, this tunnel carries water out to the
Housatonic River |
![](Canal16_small.jpg) |
This is a view across the river to tunnels under an old
Shelton factory |
![](Canal17_small.jpg) |
A view of the Derby/Shelton Bridge |
![](tunnelback_small.jpg) |
The tunnel from the river looking back under Roosevelt
Drive. |