It may surprise you to learn that the community of Port Wallace was considered to be a Port when the Canal was operating.  It is named after Michael Wallace who was the Chairman of the Canal Company Board. It was Mr. Wallace who presided over the initial sod turning of the Canal project which occurred in 1826.  It is reported that several hundred people came to event which featured a military contingent from the Citadel who transported a canon to the site which was fired to mark the opening.   Following the ceremony the guests retraced their steps to the town where the celebrations continued and the Canal Navvies commenced work digging the channel.