Grand Canal (Phoenix)
Canal in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Grand Canal is a major canal in central Maricopa County, Arizona in the United States, that aided in the early agricultural development of Phoenix, running through many of the historic neighborhoods in central Phoenix.[1] The canal serves to feed municipal water systems in the Valley of the Sun as well as neighborhoods that practice flood irrigation for landscaping.[2]
| Grand Canal | |
|---|---|
Grand Canal at 3rd Avenue facing east | |
 Interactive map of Grand Canal | |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Country | United States |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 23.5 miles (37.8 km) |
Maximum height AMSL | 1,160 ft (350 m) |
Navigation authority | Not navigable |
| History | |
| Original owner | Grand Canal Company |
| Geography | |
| Direction | Westward |
| Start point | Washington Street and North Center Parkway |
| End point | West Bethany Home Road and North 107th Ave. |
Beginning coordinates | 33.4391°N 111.9463°W |
Ending coordinates | 33.5227°N 112.2909°W |
History
The Grand Canal is the oldest remaining pioneer canal on the north side of the Salt River. The canal was once lined with towering cottonwood trees and was a popular recreation spot for Phoenicians.[3] It was planned in 1877 and constructed in 1878 by the Grand Canal Company.[4]
The federal government purchased the Grand Canal for $20,488 in June 1906, as part of the Newlands Reclamation Act,[5] and it became part of the newly created Salt River Project.[6]