The Handiest Man: Amos Scudder

A cistern in Crawford Square that Amos Scudder built

Amos Scudder was born on 17 March 1813. He was born in New Jersey but came to Savannah @ 1817. He would soon become one of Savannah’s most prominent citizens. This was true although he claimed New Jersey as home and he would maintain a summer home there. Each year he would harness his four hitch wagon and make the trip to Savannah. Savannah would become where he made his fortune and grew his reputation. He was Savannah’s jack of all trades working as a civil engineer constructing many of our brick cisterns in the squares to retain water for the fire department. He would work as a master builder supervising the construction of the Independent Presbyterian Church and the William Jay designed Savannah Theater and Archibald Bulloch Home (now razed) among other things. He would work as an architect designing some of Savannah’s finest homes including a row of townhomes. He would also serve on the City Council from 1830 to 1839 as an alderman.

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But his most famous work was with the Savannah, Ogeechee, and Altamaha Canal Company. He built or repaired many sections of the canal, and served as the President of the Canal's Board of Directors from 1837 until his death. The canal consisted of 16.5 miles. Before Scudder’s involvement the canal experienced numerous problems such as decay of wooden locks to solve this issue he proposed doing the locks in brick. The company thrived on the work and foresight of Scudder and was a key feature in the Savannah economy from the 1840's and into the 1860's.

Today the canal has been restored and is used to interpret the Ogeechee waterway and its natural environment. At the Ogeechee River terminus a small museum and nature center is open to visitors near Lock 5 with displays that emphasize both the canal’s history and the natural history of the local area. One can also walk along the Heel or Tow paths and envision the canal as it was.
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Scudder died in Plainfield, New Jersey where he was buried June of 1856.
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Ogeechee Canal

Ogeechee Canal