USA > Michigan > History of Michigan, civil and topographical, in a compendious form; with a view of the surrounding lakes > Part 34
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The ensuing season will open with an addition of two more boats of the same class, one of which is designed to run from Grand Haven to the foot of the rapids, the other from the basin of the Kent Company's canal to the village of Lyons, in the county of Ionia.
It may be also proper at this time to advert to another fact, by way of show- ing what benefits and advantages are derived from this water communication, and which are now available to those engaged in making lumber, the greater portion of which is consumed in a foreign market.
At the rapids of Grand river, and within the circle of eight miles around the same, there are in operation no less than cight saw-mills, and several of this number are double mills. Three millions of feet would be a low estimate as the average amount of lumber cut by these mills during the season of their operation.
No comments are necessary when it is understood that every foot of this lum- ber can be delivered at the foot of Grand Haven in forty-eight hours after the same has been put into rafts.
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The Kalamazoo is now navigated by the largest class of what are termed Durham boats, from its mouth to the village of Allegan, a distance, by the river, of thirty-eight miles ; at certain stages of the water this operation is extended to the village of Kalamazoo, a distance from the mouth of the river of seven- ty-five miles.
Had measures been taken to obtain from authentic sources the amount of transportation and business on this stream the last season, I make no doubt but that the result would have abundantly proved its value and importance to the population of the interior, as a convenient avenue to the trade and commerce of the lake.
What has been remarked in relation to lumbering operations on the Grand river, will apply with peculiar force to the Kalamazoo ; at no single period with- in the limits of this state, to my knowledge, has the business of manufacturing lumber been so exclusive an object of attention as at the village of Allegan ; I speak unadvisably, but nevertheless I will hazard the assertion that the mills at this place have cut the last season more than four millions of feet, a great proportion of which has been floated down this river to Lake Michigan, to be there shipped for market.
These facts are here introduced merely for the purpose of showing, that in the event of there being a disposition on the part of the legislature to appro- priate money for the improvement of these rivers, that some evidence may be at hand by way of showing that the present business operations on the same will justify such an amount of appropriations as will be sufficient to remove some of the obstacles which have heretofore embarrassed the business of navi- gation.
In making the examinations upon which the following estimates have been predicated, reference has been had to a system, which I have confidence to be- lieve was the only proper one to be adopted under exisiting circumstances. It must appear evident from a single glance at the nature of the case, that that which demands the first attention, and which involved the question of the prac- ticability of improving the navigation of these streams, independent from slack water operations, was an examination by soundings of the depth of water, and acquiring full information and knowledge as to the nature of the impediment that now exists, and necessary to be abated.
Having, therefore, decided upon the manner and mode of acquiring these facts, it became necessary to have reference to the waters in these rivers re- spectively, before any labor could with propriety or profit be bestowed towards the attainment of the object ; as it was important that soundings and other ex- aminations connected with this operatlon, should be made at a time when the rivers were at their low water mark, lest false and delusive results might be the consequence.
I therefore was deterred from making the said surveys until some of the last days of July, when by observation I found that these streams were down to their minimum stage.
On the 27th of July last I entered upon the duties appertaining to this investigation. Beginning at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, provided with the necessary instruments and assistance to enable me to prosecute the survey with economy and despatch ; having in view,
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First, to determine how far this river was susceptible of being made navi- gable by merely removing the existing obstacles and impediments.
Second, to devote as much time to the examination of the character, position, and nature of such impediments, as would enable me to form a just estimate of the expense of their abatement and removal.
I shall proceed now to give the results of these examinations, by dividing the river from its mouth to the village of Allegan, a distance of thirty-eight miles, into three divisions or sections, embracing the following distances, viz : from the mouth to the village of Richmond, a distance of twelve miles ; from Richmond to where the river crosses the north line of township 2 north, range 14 west, a distance of ten miles ; and from the last place to the village of Allegan, a dis- tance of sixteen miles.
The soundings on the first division of twelve miles indicate an average depth of water for the distance of eight miles, of twelve fect ; and the last four, of five and a-half; the channel of the stream maintains an average width of about two hundred feet, with a current flowing at the rate of one and a half miles per hour. The only obstructions noticed were in the last four miles, consisting of trees which had fallen from the banks, with their tops projecting into the chan- nel of the river, forming serious obstacles to navigation, besides producing, in many instances, a change of channel, and deposites of alluvial in the eddies behind them.
We have now arrived to a point in this river where it becomes necessary to have reference to other modes of improving than removing flood wood, logs, and sand bars. The examination now must have reference to the practicability of improving the same by what is termed slack water.
The Kalamazoo has a average fall of about three feet per mile from the vil- lage of Kalamazoo to Allegan ; and consequently may be considered a rapid stream. At low water it presents a continual series of ponds and rapids ; the greatest fall in any given distance, and which is now used as a water power, is at Otsego.
In reviewing the result of my labors on this part of the river, I find my- self involved in much doubt as to what should be the proper report on this subject.
The embankments, however, do not arise from any peculiar difficulty in de- termining as to the construction of the necessary works, either in the nature of dams or locks, but from the danger ot inundating much of the valuable bot- tom lands on both margins of this river.
In projecting a series of improvements and structures, such as become neces- sary in order to accomplish the object in this case, must, I apprehend, call into requisition the best judgment and skill, combined with practical know- ledge.
Those who have had an opportunity of witnessing the effect of damming heavy streams, will readily conceive the difficulties connected with this species of engineering. In every case where an obstruction is placed in a stream for the purpose of raising its waters above its customary level, as a necessary con- sequence, the pond sets back beyond its natural level, and this takes place in a less or greater degree in proportion to the volume of water flowing in the stream.
47
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It is therefore plain, that in order to attain the desired object, as in this case, it is not necessary that the aggregate altitude of all the dams should cqual the total amount of fall in the stream ; and in order to arrive at correct conclusions as to what proportion the height of all the dams should bear to the whole fall, questions of the most subtle and embarrassing nature present themselves for so- lution, involving hydrostatic principles, and the laws regulating the gravitation and flow of fluids.
The attention I have given to the investigation of this subject has enabled me to arrive at the following conclusions, viz :
That it will require twenty-one dams, located with reference to the different rapids, having in the whole an aggregate height of seventy-five feet, in connex- ion with suitable locks, in order to approximate anywhere near to the desired object and not injure the bottom lands on the river.
By this arrangement, no dam would have a higher elevation than four feet. In one or two cases side cuts may be necessary, made by way of abridging the distance.
GRAND RIVER.
Before entering into the details and estimates appertaining to Grand river, it may not be amiss to advert to some things not before noticed in my general and preliminary remarks.
The mouth of Grand river is the only natural harbor on Lake Michigan. It is accessible at all times during the season of navigation, and has, in a multi- tude of instances, afforded a safe retreat, and protection to life and property, from the tremendous storms on the lake.
The mouths of all other rivers and harbors on this lake are more or less ob- structed by deposites of sand, and in some cases, after a severe storm, their en- trances are nearly closed by a deposite of this kind.
Hence the harbor at the mouth of Grand river has become of utmost conse- quence to the commerce of our lakes, as a safe and convenient retreat from storms and danger. The value of this river, as a natural avenue of communi- cation to the interior of the state, can only be appreciated but by keeping con- stantly in mind the facts before adduced, of its present use and importance as a medium of transportation. It must, I apprehend, if these things are kept in view, strike even those the most indifferent to the subject of internal improve- ment, as correct and sound policy to extend the fostering hand of government to the improvement of this river by adequate appropriations.
This river has been examined from its mouth to the village of Lyons, in Ionia county, a distance, by the stream, of ninety miles. But before I proceed to no- tice the several obstructions and impediments, it may be proper to observe something in relation to its general features.
I found by repeated observations that this stream from its mouth to the foot of the rapids, a distance of forty miles, has an average width of eight hundred feet ; and, in fact, at the rapids it exceeds a thousand, and from the head of the rapids to the mouth of the Maple at Lyons, its average width is 500 feet.
In this distance it receives several large tributaries, to wit : Flat river, Thorn- apple, and the Rouge ; its bends and curves are large and easy, and its gene- ral course nearly west, with the exception of the great bend between the mouth
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of the Thornapple and the rapids. The fall in the river from Lyons to the head of the rapids is 31 feet ; from head of rapids to foot, 15 feet; and from foot of rapids to mouth, 10 feet ; making a total of 56 feet in the distance of 90 miles.
I would take this opportunity again to remark, that the examinations and soundings have been made at times when the water in the river was at its low- est mark. Under such circumstances there is less danger of presenting things in a more favorable light than what would be warranted by a strict and scruti- nizing investigation.
For twenty miles from the mouth of the river up, the soundings indicate a depth of water of not less than eight feet ; and the residue of the distance to the foot of the rapids, variable depths of 8 to 4 feet, and but two places only less than four ; one of these is a deposite of alluvion at the mouth of a stream ; the other a narrow bar, of coarse gravel and stone.
I presume there is not to be found a stream, in any State of the Union, not immediately connected with tide waters, so free from flood wood, sunken tim- ber, rocks, and other obstructions for the same distance, as the Grand river in its present unimproved condition.
The first twenty miles I found nothing upon which to found an estimate ; and for the remaining distance of twenty miles, terminating at the foot of the rapids, the estimates are made for removing two bars, sundry loose rocks and sunken logs, together with deepening the south channel in front of the store- houses at the village of the Grand Rapids, to the termination of the Kent Company's canal.
The rapids at this place are caused by a stratum of lime rock, which shows itself in the bed of the river and in both banks, for a distance of a mile and a half. Its inclination is remarkably uniform ; causing the water of the river to descend with a velocity due to a fifteen feet fall, without noise or commotion. Certain owners and proprietors of the property on the east side of the rapids, commonly known as the Kent Company, have, at a great expense, cut a canal from the head of the rapids to within a hundred yards of the present steam- boat landing. This canal is 80 feet wide, and has a depth of four and a half feet, being abundantly capacious for the passage of the largest boats that will ever be found useful or convenient for river navigation.
Could the state enter into any arrangement with this company, for the use of their works upon equitable terms, it would be by far the least expensive plan for passing these rapids ; and I have not the least doubt but that such an ar- rangement could be made to the satisfaction of both parties.
I shall now proceed to make a summary statement of the obstacles noticed in my examination from the head of the rapids to Lyons, describing the nature of the obstructions and place of location, as follows :
From the head of the rapids to section 27, town 7 north, range 10 west, a short distance below the mouth of the Thornapple, being a distance of about 18 miles, the water is of good depth : but at the foot of a small island opposite said section 27, there is a gravel bar eighty rods long, at point opposite section 8, in town 6 north, range 9 west ; then snags and sunken logs ; opposite sections 4 and 5, town 6 north, range 8 west, flood and sunken; at section 10, town 6 north, range 8 west, a gravelly bar, and large stones, 40 in length ; opposite section six, town 6 north, range 7 west, snags and flood-wood ; at a bend oppo-
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site section 31, town 7 north, range 7 west, flood wood, and snags ; at bend opposite section 19, town 7 north, range 6 west, snags and flood.
At and below the mouth of Prairie creek, a gravelly and stony bar, 80 rods long ; from thence to the mouth of the Maple, all clear,
ST. JOSEPH RIVER.
(Charles F. Smith's Report of the Survey of the St. Joseph river.)
To the Honorable, the Commissioners of Internal Improvement of the State of Michigan.
GENTLEMEN-Having received instructions from you to make a strict and careful examination of the St. Joseph river, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability and cost of improving its navigation, including directions to notice its rise, depth, width, islands, and character of its bed and banks, particularly where any obstructions exist and improvements might be made, with the diffi- culties to be overcome, the means of doing it, and the effect of the improvement on the adjoining country ; together with the size, navigability, and hydraulic power of its tributaries, comprising in my observations every thing necessary to describe and make a complete map of the river. By the assistance of Mr. J. R. Grout I have completed the survey, and am now enabled to present you the following report :
The river is now navigable, in ordinary water, for small steamboats as far as Niles, and for keelboats, propelled by poles, as far as Three Rivers : but at cer- tain seasons of the year the navigation is attended with much difficulty, owing to numerous bars and the velocity of water ; the former of which is attributed to several causes. The most prominent are, a variation in the volume of water, direction and action of the current, unequal hardness of the soil, and the mat- ter with which the stream is often charged. The rise of the water increases the velocity and action of the current, in consequence of which, from those parts of the stream where the earth is not of sufficient hardness to resist this action, it is torn up and transported to other parts, where the force of the current is less, and being there deposited, forms bars ; and in many cases a second channel is made, which, hy a division of the water into two courses, renders the depth of it too little in either. The difference between the high and low water mark varies from four to six feet, according to the width of the stream. The action of the current, even in low water, is in many places too great for the tenacity of the soil. To diminish, therefore, the current where it is necessary, and to render the water of sufficient depth for the purposes of navigation, appears to be the principal object for consideration in the improvements of the stream. For effect- ing them, is recommended a system of damming, locking, and occasionally ex- cavating where economy renders it advisable. In making the examination, I have had in view the full improvement of the river. The survey was com- menced by taking as a plane of reference the surface of the water at Messrs. Porter & Co's warehouse in the village of St. Joseph. The river at this place is nine hundred feet in width, and of ample depth for the largest vessels that navigate the lakes. At its mouth it is narrower and of less depth ; but by the judicious location of the pier which is now constructing, the bar, which former-
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ly obstructed the mouth of the river, rendering its entrance difficult and often dangerous, has in a great measure washed away, opening a direct and safe com- munication with the lake, which promises, when the pier is completed, to render this a safe and commodious harbor. On the north side of the river, opposite St. Joseplı, is an extensive marsh, through which flows the Paw Paw, and enters the St. Joseph just below the bridge. This stream at its mouth is one hundred and fifteen feet wide and six feet deep. The current for several miles is slow ; the adjacent land, in high water, liable to be overflowed. Keclboats occasion- ally ascend it as far as Waterford, about thirty miles ; but owing to its circuitous route and want of depth at certain points, it is not much used for the purposes of navigation. Above the commencement of quick water, hydraulic power to a considerable extent can be obtained, and there are now upon it three mills in constant operation.
On the south side of the St. Joseph, commencing just above the village, a marsh puts out from the bluff, around which the river makes a large bend. This marsh extends a distance of three-fourths of a mile, to the orchard farm, oppo- site which are two islands. The main stream flows between them. Its bed is sand, and the water in the shoalest part is six feet. Should this depth diminish, to the injury of the navigation, by the widening of the other channels, they may be closed at a small expense. Half a mile above this is the mouth of Pine creek, which comes in from the south. It is fifty feet wide and four deep, and for some distance is sluggish. The quantity of its water is variable. There is a saw mill about six miles from its mouth, and valuable mill sites at other points.
Just below the village of Royalton, three miles from St. Joseph, is a large is- land, occupying the middle of the stream. The right channel is shoal near the head of it, being but five feet in depth. Its bed is a fine compact sand, which the ordinary current does not move. The left channel at the foot of the island has but four and a half feet of water. Its bed is a coarse loose gravel, and in consequence of the action of the water upon its banks, is gradually widening. At present it is unnecessary to improve this place ; but should the left channel continue widening, owing to the direction of the current, it may be advisable to close the other. Yellow creek enters from the south, two and three-fourths miles above Royalton. Its width is twelve, and depth four feet. It discharges a con- siderable quantity of water, but as its fall has not been ascertained, the extent of its water power is unknown. Until we arrive at the Oxbow, the state of the river requires but a single remark : opposite Valparaiso it is broad, and the cur- rent too strong for the permanency of its banks, but at present the depth of water is sufficient.
Pipestone creek enters the St. Joseph seven miles from its mouth. It is one hundred feet wide and two and a half deep. The current is rapid, and three- fourths of a mile from its junction with the St. Joseph there is a saw-mill with ten feet fall, and above it are several valuable mill sites, but unimproved. From St. Joseph to Niles, the river varies in width from three to four hundred feet ; and the valley from one fourth to three fourths of a mile wide, through which it runs with & winding course, sometimes crossing it obliquely, at others nearly at right angles, and occasionally, after making a large sweep, returning to the point which it had just passed. The Oxbow is an instance of this kind. Here,
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after making a circuit of a mile and one-fourth, it returns to within two hun- dred and sixty feet where the current, by the direction of the stream, is deflect- ed against the upper and lower banks, which it is fast wearing away, and will undoubtedly soon force a passage through. The channel on the upper side is much obstructed by the trees that have been undermined and fallen into it. By a cut across this place, the distance will be much shortened. These con- siderations, together with the necessity of slackening the current above, renders it advisable to construct here a dam of two and a half feet in height. From this point to Little Russia, four and a half miles, the distance to which the in- fluence of the dam will extend, there are no obstructions, except a few snags, which can be easily removed. The banks that are now in several places wear- ing away, would, by diminishing the current, be protected; a remark that is alike applicable to similar places on the river.
At Little Russia, a dam of three feet, which is the most that can be given without overflowing the land, will be required ; and another at the bend below the Devil's Elbow, opposite Mr. Barns' farm, of three and a half feet. Between these dams two small creeks discharge themselves. Kimmel's from the south, affords water for a saw-mill, and Walling's from the north, is a permanent stream, affording sufficient power for ordinary milling purposes. The dam at the Devil's Elbow will overcome the difficulties of the remainder of the river to Ber- rien, 223 miles from St. Joseph. At the Devil's Elbow the stream is broad, and shallow, and so rapid as to render it extremely difficult in ascending it. The bed and banks at these different points are favorable to the con- struction and permanency of dams, and materials for them may be had with facility in the immediate vicinity. At Berrien are two islands. By clear- ing the south branch, the navigation will be made good past them. A short distance above them, a dam of three feet is required. At the foot of Shoema- ker's island, Spring brook comes in from the north. There are two saw-mills up- on it, which may be kept in operation during the year. Three miles further up, another dam of four feet is necessary. The water by this dam will be slacken- ed to O. Sneyder's, a distance of 2} miles, where a dam of five feet may be built, rendering the navigation good to Moccasin shoals. Between Berrien and this place are numerous small springs and rivulets of excellent water, and though not of sufficient size for milling purposes, yet of great value to the agri- culturist. Lyback's falling branch, however, which comes in from the south, half a mile above Bartlett's island, is a stream of considerable value. It has a fall within three hundred feet of its mouth, of fifteen feet, and is capable of driving two run of stone. The Moccasin shoals, together with the ripple, em- brace a distance of about two miles. The stream is broad, shoal, and much broken by islands, the largest of which are the Needle and Moccasin. A dam of five feet, to overcome these difficulties, will be required at the elbow below the shoals. Materials for this, as well as for the last three, are to be had on the spot. Two and three-fourth miles above the Moccasin ripple, the river is a deep, navigable stream. Opposite the village of Benton is McCoy's creek, an important stream, twelve feet wide and two deep, and having on it three saw- mills of 8, 10, and 15 feet head. It is about seven miles in length, and takes its rise in a large marsh. Two miles above this creek, a dam of 33 feet will
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slacken the water to Wesaw village, and at this point a dam of five feet will correct the state of the stream to Niles, forty-one miles from St. Joseph.
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