Landsford Canal, the best preserved of numerous 19th-century South Carolina river canals, retains remnants of all its major structural features. It is the uppermost of four canals constructed on the Catawba-Wateree river system from 1820-1835.

During this period, boats used the canals to bypass rapids while carrying goods to and from the coast.

This 460-acre park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes historic ruins of canal-culverts, stone bridges, locks, an historic mill site and a lockkeeper?s house, which contains interpretive exhibits about the canal system in South Carolina.

Land's Ford also is associated with the Revolutionary War. Thomas Sumter's troops crossed here on their way to the Battle of Hanging Rock. And the main British army under Lord Cornwallis crossed the Catawba here in October 1780 when it fell back from Charlotte after the Battle of Kings Mountain.

In addition to its rich cultural history, Landsford Canal offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty.

The rocky shoals on the Catawba River are home to one of the world?s largest populations of rocky shoals spider lilies.

The park is located along the fall line of South Carolina.

This geological feature gives the Catawba River its elevation change, producing the shoals or rapids in the river.

This area is home to the largest population of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world.

This large plant has adapted to live in a very harsh environment and puts on one of the greatest natural ?shows? on the east coast.

During their peak bloom from about mid-May to mid-June, these plants cover the river in a blanket of white.

South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.