The Mariinsky water system connects the Volga and the waters of the B altic, starting at the Sheksna River in the Yaroslavl Region and reaching the Neva in St. Petersburg. Conceived by Peter the Great, implemented during the reigns of Paul the First and his son Alexander, refurbished and completed by all subsequent monarchs, including Nicholas II.
Renamed in honor of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and again reconstructed in the USSR, having a long and rich history of creation, the Mariinsky water system, the importance of which can hardly be underestimated even now, is a complex of natural and artificial reservoirs that are the Volga-B altic route from the depths of the mainland to Europe.
The beginning of a long story. The idea of Peter the Great
The construction of St. Petersburg made it necessary to constantly supply a variety of goods for their own consumption, as well as domestic and foreign trade. Moving through the water made it possible to do this most conveniently and quickly.
At the direction of Peter I, in 1710, the first surveys were carried out to create a navigable route along the Vytegra, Kovzha and Sheksna rivers, across Lake Beloe, from St. Petersburg to the depths of Russia. Three variants of directions were considered, one of them a hundred years later, in 1810, was opened under the name "Mariinsky water system". The great artifact of antiquity (if you count a little more than three hundred years of antiquity), for its time was a very progressive structure, the result of engineering and strategic thought, which received the World Prize in Paris.
To implement the plan, the main reservoirs had to be connected and made more complete. This was supposed to be facilitated by a multi-component system of locks and dams (then mostly wooden), as well as manually dug canals.
The Vyshnevolotsk route, already tested at that time, did not meet the full flow of the needs of trade, despite human intervention in the affairs of nature.
In 1711 the tsar inspected part of the territory of the Vytegra and Kovzha watershed personally. Tradition says that it was at the site of his ten-day stay at that time that a monument was erected.
British engineer John Perry, who conducted these studies, considered it most reasonable to connect the Vytegra and Kovzha rivers with a canal. The first flows to the north, the second to the south. Each is connected into a long system with lakes and rivers, which provides the necessary transportation of goods between the north and south of the huge state, and eventually beyond.
The results of the study, calculations and proposals for the implementation of work were announced in the Senate in the presence of the Sovereign. The Turkish campaign and subsequent events, including the death of the king, delayed the project for a long time.
The need for a full-flowing navigable route was growing, but under Catherine II, who even signed a decree on the allocation of funds for the work conceived by her father, funds from the treasury were nevertheless redirected to the construction of overland communications in priority directions - Petersburg-Narva and Petersburg- Moscow.
Research of the specialist hired by Peter Alekseevich was remembered during the reign of Paul the First and was resumed several times - in the 70s, 80s and 90s of the 18th century.
Implementation of the idea
When the need reached a critical level, the Department of Water Communications took over, namely, its head, Count J. E. Sievers. He resumed research, taking as a basis the direction proposed by John Perry, and presented a report to Paul the First, substantiating the need for an early start of work.
The sovereign approved the undertakings. The money for the start of work was taken from the funds of the safe treasury of the Orphanages of St. Petersburg and Moscow, which was in charge of the tsar's wife, Maria Fedorovna. It is to this fact from the history of the creation of the Mariinsky water system that the shipping route owes its name, which was given by order of January 20, 1799 and immortalized the name of the emperor's wife. Then the name was written and pronounced severalotherwise, as "Maryinsky".
In the same year, work began, and nine years later, the first ship passed the trial route. The grand opening of more than 1,125 kilometers (1,054 versts) of the Mariinsky system of canals and natural reservoirs took place in July 1810, after 11 years of hard, hard, mostly manual peasant labor.
Before the opening of the route, it was equipped with the following hydraulic structures:
- 28 wooden locks and semi-locks, mostly one- and two-chamber (except for the three-chamber lock of St. Alexander on the Mariinsky Canal) - the total number of chambers is 45, each had the following parameters - 32 meters, 9 meters and 1.3 meters - length, width and depth at the threshold, respectively; most of the locks were named after saints, except for the "Slava", "Russia" locks and the "Devolant" semi-lock (later replaced by the St. George lock) on Vytegra;
- twenty dams;
- twelve spillways (one-year dams);
- five drawbridges (drawbridges).
These parameters ensured the passage of vessels with a carrying capacity of 160-170 tons. As the need for increased traffic increased, many facilities were periodically modified, relocated, removed and rebuilt.
Economic importance
The creation of a complex of waterways of this scale made it possible to significantly increase the turnover of trade not only within the country, but also with other states.
Exit through St. Petersburg to the B altic provided a connection with Europe. Deliveries along the Volga from the southern regions made it possible to actively trade in food and industrial goods, supplying them across the country from the Caspian to the B altic Sea.
For the domestic economy of Russia, the significance was even more important - the Grain Exchange in Rybinsk, the building of which has survived to this day, is inextricably linked with the history of creation with the Mariinsky water system. It was opened shortly after the launch of the waterway and provided flour for non-bread areas of the country, and wheat was also supplied to Europe.
Being on the Mariinsky Way had a beneficial effect on the development of Cherepovets. At that time, it was a rich trading city, a center for shipbuilding and training in this business. It was inhabited by merchants who provided movement on the water system. The first long-distance cargo ships built here even sailed to the USA.
Rivers of the Mariinsky water system
The Mariinsky system uses four rivers as shipping routes: the Svir, Vytegra, Kovzha and Sheksna, except for the end points that give rise to new important sections of the waterway - the Volga and the Neva.
However, the Volkhov and Syas are related to the Mariinsky water system, since bypass channels are laid through them at Lake Ladoga.
Being part of the main route of the Tikhvin water system, the Syas River is connected to the Mariinsky through the Svirsky Canal (bypassing Lake Ladoga with the Svir River) and the Syassky Canal, connecting the Syas andVolkhov. Both canals have been upgraded as part of the water system upgrade.
The Ladoga Canal connects the Volkhov (part of the Vyshnevolotsk water system) and the Neva. It is these artificial reservoirs that paved the way to St. Petersburg from the Mariinsky system for ships prudently afraid of Lake Ladoga, prone to storms.
Also, non-navigable small rivers (for example, Vodlitsa, Oshta, Kunost, Puras-stream, etc.) can also be attributed to the Mariinsky water system, which, with the help of human intervention, fed canals, other rivers and lakes, or themselves became part of them.
Mariinsky and Novo-Mariinsky channels
The Mariinsky Canal can be called the most important artificial reservoir of the system of the same name. It was he who crossed the watershed of the Vytegra and Kovzha rivers, allowing the outback and the north of the country to be connected by a common navigable route.
On the Kovzha River, it started near the village of Gryazny Omut and fell into Vytegra near the settlement of the Upper Line. The man-made canal passed through two small lakes, Matko Lake (dumped during later reconstructions of the system) and the Ekaterininsky pool.
Regarding the rivers it connected, the canal had a higher level, so the ships rose into it from one river and descended into another. Food was provided mainly by Lake Kovzhskoye through the Konstantinovsky water pipeline. To this end, its level was raised with the help of dams by two meters. Maintaining the required fullness of the channel was provided by six gateways.
The Novo-Mariinsky Canal was built in the 80s of the 19th century, northeast of its predecessor, but hashim a common part at the connection with the river Vytegra. Its construction was completed during the reign of Alexander III in 1886.
The new channel has become stone and deeper. Its pool was significantly reduced, which made it possible to abandon four old two-chamber locks and the Konstantinovsky water pipeline. Now the artificial reservoir was fed from the Kovzha River. For this purpose, the Alexander water pipeline served.
Lakes and lakeside channels
The most significant full-flowing lakes of the system are Ladoga, Onega and Beloe (from north to south). The original shipping route passed around the first and along the other two, which provoked not just difficulties, but many tragic events. Subject to frequent strong storms, the lakes were very dangerous, many shipwrecks occurred at that time in their waters.
This is what caused the construction of bypass channels around them, providing a fast and calm route.
The Ladoga Canal was built earlier and immediately entered the Mariinsky waterway. Novo-Ladoga was built in the 60s of the 19th century.
Onega and Belozersky were built in the 40s of the same century.
The construction did not have a very good effect only on the incomes of the local population. Previously, merchants had to use smaller ships to transport cargo safely. They were called "whites". Small sturdy boats ensured the transport of goods across the shallower and calmer part of the lake, while large maritime barges crossed it empty.
Also for functioningThe Mariinsky water system was also used by numerous small lakes. Due to them, the filling of navigable rivers and canals was carried out.
Improvements in the 90s of the 19th century
Solemnly completed in 1886, the improvement of the system, which included multifaceted work carried out over 66 years, did not remain final for long.
Already in October 1892, new large-scale reconstruction of the most important waterway began. 12.5 million rubles were allocated for their implementation.
- The result of the improvements was the construction of 38 locks of the Mariinsky water system. The very first locks on the Sheksna River were installed at that time - four stone structures became them.
- 7 trenches were dug (including the famous Devyatinsky), which straightened and shortened the available shipping routes.
- Clearing, widening and deepening of bypass lakeside canals were carried out.
- Reconstructed and created new land roads for traction transportation (tow roads).
- The Svir River is more adapted to navigation (various cleaning works, deepening and widening of the path).
The result of engineering surveys and reconstruction, construction and reconstruction of hydraulic structures has been a significant increase in the benefits of the operation of the Mariinsky water system. The applied means and technologies were appreciated by contemporaries and awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1913.
Soviet period
Scientific and technological progress has not bypassed this waterway. Already in 1922, the first hydroelectric complex Cherepovets was opened. It was followed by three more: in 1926, 1930 and 1933.
In 1940, decisions were made to create the Volga-B altic and North Dvina water communication systems. At the same time, it was decided to mothball the construction of the Kuibyshev hydroelectric complex.
Spring 1941 was marked by the beginning of the filling of the Rybinsk reservoir. It lasted until 1947, when the construction of the Volga-B alta was resumed.
In 1948, work began on creating a canal from Lake Onega to the city of Vytegra, which shortened and straightened the waterway. Construction was completed in 1953.
In 1952, another hydroelectric power station was built on the Svir River. In 1961 and 1963, three hydropower plants were commissioned at Vytegra and Sheksna.
On November 2, 1963, the Mariinsky water system officially ended its operation. Navigation has been completed.
At the end of May 1964, two more hydroelectric facilities began to operate and a new canal between the Kovzha and Vytegra rivers was filled. In the summer, the first ships passed along the new route - first, hydroconstructors, then cargo ships, and lastly, passenger ships.
On October 27, the Volga-B altic Way was adopted by the commission and an act was signed on this, and in December a decree was issued to give it the name of V. I. Lenin.
Current status
After reconstruction 1959-1964 The Mariinsky water system was included in a more progressive complex of tracks and hydraulic structures. It was named the Volga-B altic waterway.
At this time itthe length is about 1100 kilometers, the minimum depth of the navigable fairway is from 4 meters. This allows ships with a displacement of up to 5,000 tons to sail.
Now this path is one of the links connecting the five seas: the B altic, White, Caspian, Azov and Black.
Historical monuments of the waterway
Throughout the history of its existence, the Mariinsky water system has been of great importance for the economic development of the country. Numerous events associated with its construction and reconstruction were periodically marked by the installation of monuments:
- To Peter the Great in the city of Lodeynoye Pole on the Svir River.
- Obelisks on the Syassky canals, marking the end of the construction of each.
- Two obelisks in honor of the construction of the New Ladoga Canal (the Shlisselburg canal has not been preserved).
- Three obelisks dedicated to the Belozersky Canal.
- Obelisks on the Mariinsky and Novo-Mariinsky canals.
- Obelisk in honor of the construction of the Onega Canal.
One of the first memorable buildings has not been preserved - a wooden chapel in honor of Peter the Great near the village of Petrovskoe.
There is a legend that an obelisk with the inscription "Petr's thought Maria accomplished" at the site of the future junction of Vytegra and Kovzha (Mariinsky Canal) was installed where the emperor planned this large-scale construction and called the place "To be a mountain". The junction of the two rivers takes place at the highest point of the watershed.
Construction of the Novo-Mariinsky Canal, in addition to installationobelisk, was also marked by the release of a desktop copper medal 8.5 centimeters in diameter.
A medal with a diameter of 7.7 cm was also cast in honor of the completion of the construction of the Novo-Svirsky and Novo-Syassky canals.
Interesting facts from the history of the Mariinsky water system
An interesting long story includes some particularly remarkable facts related to the creation and functioning of the Mariinsky water system.
- The Mariinsky system is named after Empress Maria Feodorovna (since the initial funds for the construction were allocated from the treasury of the orphanages she oversaw).
- The locks at the White Lake were called "Convenience", "Safety" (connection with Sheksna) and "Benefit" (from Kovzha side).
- The river tanker "Vandal", built in 1903 and sailing along the Mariinsky water system, was the world's first motor ship and diesel-electric ship.
- The water system was served by ten shipping companies of different levels.
- Devyatinsky perekop is included in the list of specially protected natural areas. An artificial pond a little less than a kilometer long was built in monolithic rock for more than five years. The work was carried out in the English way, with the laying of an adit along the bottom of the future canal, connected to the surface by fifteen shafts. The excavated soil was thrown into them and taken out.
- Initially, the journey from Rybinsk to St. Petersburg along the Mariinsky system took about 110 days, after improvements 30-50days (1910).
- Due to the lack of funds in the treasury for the construction of the waterway in 1818, Alexander I ordered to take duties from ships depending on their size, as well as targeted fees from merchants and men of taxable estates.
- Syassky Canal was originally named after Empress Catherine II. Novo-Syassky - Maria Feodorovna.
- Svirsky and Novo-Svirsky channels bear the names of the Tsars Alexander - the First and Third, respectively.
- Matko Lake, which was a watershed point of the Mariinsky water system, was drained when the level of the Mariinsky Canal was lowered, and its basin was used for dumping soil. In 2012, it was proposed to erect a commemorative monument to the once important body of water.
- The last ship to pass through the Mariinsky water system was a self-propelled barge called Ilovlya.
The originally stormy and fast Sheksna has changed dramatically due to hydraulic structures, like other reservoirs. The riverbeds laid by nature were changed and supplemented, which affected the flora, fauna and social life of people. Human intervention greatly influenced the fate of the entire area through which the Mariinsky water system passed.
Photos of the late 19th - early 20th century eloquently speak of great achievements and large-scale work carried out in difficult conditions without proper technical support. However, hand-dug canals clad in granite, numerous large-scale buildings also make one think about the many human lives sacrificed to progress.
