Landsford Canal
- Address: US 21
- Vicinity: Off US 21
The Landsford Canal parallels a two mile section of the Catawba River. Within this section, the River falls thirty- four feet. The Canal consists of three sets of locks, a mill site, miller;'s house, and a lockkeeper's house all in various forms of decay and ruins.
The site parallels a section of "wild river" of considerable scenic merit and is near the historic Waxhaws Church area. The site is also noted for unusual botanical features and a variety of wild flowers. It is heavily timbered and a prime habitat for native birds.
Historically, the Landsford Canal, completed in 1832, was an important transportation link for about fifteen years. The immediate area was involved in military movement from the Revolutionary War through the War Between the States. The Canal remains today as the only canal existing in its entirety without encroachment in South Carolina.
The tract, including an aboriginal ford, was granted to Thomas Land, in 1754, and thus the place derived its name. Fort Taylor, a protection against hostile Indians, stood here in early days. As part of the inland navigation system from the Up Country to Charleston, a series of Catawba canals was begun in 1819 and completed several years later. Landsford Canal, the highest in the system, was built by Engineer Leckie. - NRHP