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The map titled "Map of Muscle Shoals Canal, Tennessee River" was created in 1890 under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel J.W. Barlow, Corps of Engineers, and drafted by J. Shutting, and later issued as part of a Government report on the navigation of the Tennessee River in 1906.

The map is based upon work originally done under the supervision of George Washington Goethals.

The map provides a detailed depiction of the Muscle Shoals Canal in Colbert County, Alabama, extending from Florence in the west to Brown's Island and Brown's Ferry. This map is a highly detailed production, showing the course of the canal, contiguous rivers and creeks, locks, and elevation changes. The follow are the key features:

• Course of the Canal: The map meticulously traces the route of the Muscle Shoals Canal, indicating various geographical and man-made features along its path.
• Locks and Elevation Changes: It includes a profile view that depicts the locations of the locks and the elevation changes, essential for understanding the canal's engineering.
• Inset Map: There is an inset map that shows a broader regional view, highlighting the Tennessee River’s course through several states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The Muscle Shoals Canal was a significant engineering project aimed at improving navigation on the Tennessee River, which was essential for the livelihood of northwest Alabama. The river’s swift current, varying water levels, and the shallow, craggy Muscle Shoals made navigation difficult for most of the year. The solution was to build a canal, with two major construction attempts.

• First Attempt (1830-1838): The first construction attempt involved surveying and mapping beginning in 1830. The canal was meant to stretch from Florence to Lamb's Ferry, but financial deficits led to its abandonment in 1838.
• Second Attempt (1875-1890): The second attempt, supervised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began in 1875. Engineers widened the canal and reduced the number of locks from 17 to nine. Lt. George Washington Goethals, who later became famous for his work on the Panama Canal, oversaw this project. The canal officially opened on November 10, 1890, and operated successfully for 27 years, contributing significantly to the region's economy and infrastructure.

George Washington Goethals

George Washington Goethals, born in New York City on June 29, 1858, to Belgian immigrant parents, was a dedicated and accomplished engineer. After excelling at West Point, Goethals worked on various engineering projects along the Ohio and Columbia Rivers. He taught at West Point before returning to fieldwork, eventually overseeing the completion of the Muscle Shoals Canal. His leadership and engineering skills later earned him the role of chief engineer for the Panama Canal project, which he completed ahead of schedule in 1914, cementing his legacy as a national hero. Goethals continued to serve in various capacities, contributing to significant infrastructure projects until his death on January 21, 1928.