As part of the early Broad River navigation system, the Lockhart Canal was built at a cost of $111,000 with six lifting locks and one guard lock. It began on the west bank of the Broad River about 1-1/2 miles north of the town of Lockhart and ends below the town. All structures were made of stone. It provided a total of fifty-one (51) feet of lift along its length. The contractor was Col. Nesbitt.

The canal was closed to traffic in 1849. Perhaps soon thereafter, the canal was enlarged and a new cut was made into the river above the old river lock, and it has been used as a hydraulic source ever since.