Portage

Portage-prospector

Photograph of Canoe Rest on Smoke Lake Portage - NARA - 2128454

Photograph of Railroad Portage - NARA - 2128318

Diolkos, Western End. Pic 04

Mappa galeas colori

Yermak Timofeyevich and his band of adventurers crossing the Ural Mountains at Tagil, entering Asia from Europe

Portage refers to the practice of carrying watercraft or cargo over land, either around an obstacle in a river, or between two bodies of water. A place where this carrying occurs is also called a portage. The term is of French origin, where it means to carry or to bear, and it has been a critical aspect of water-based transportation in many parts of the world throughout history.

History

The practice of portage was common in pre-industrial societies, especially in North America, where indigenous peoples and later European explorers and fur traders carried their canoes and goods over land to bypass waterfalls, rapids, or other obstacles, and to move between watersheds. In Europe, portages were also important in areas where navigable rivers were the main means of transportation before the development of roads and railways.

Techniques

Portaging involves carrying a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft over one's shoulders or using a yoke, which is a beam fitted to the boat's gunwales. For larger boats or heavy cargo, wheeled devices known as portage carts can be used. The technique and equipment used depend on the size of the watercraft, the distance of the portage, and the terrain.

Significant Portages

Several portages were historically significant for trade and exploration. For example:

• The Grand Portage between Lake Superior and the Pigeon River, part of the Canada–US border, was a vital route for fur traders.
• The Portage des Sioux, a key point for river traffic near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
• The Isthmus of Panama, where the narrow strip of land between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans was crossed by explorers, and later by gold seekers en route to California. This route underscored the strategic importance of the area, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal.

Modern Usage

Today, portaging is most often associated with canoeing, kayaking, and backpacking in wilderness areas. Recreational paddlers and adventurers undertake portages as part of their journey to explore remote areas inaccessible by other means of transportation. In some regions, established portage routes have been maintained and marked to facilitate travel.

Environmental and Cultural Impact

Portage routes have played a significant role in the development of trade networks and the exploration of new territories. However, they also reflect the impact of human activity on natural landscapes and indigenous cultures. The creation and use of portage routes often led to significant ecological changes and influenced the social and economic structures of indigenous societies.

See Also

• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Watercraft
• Exploration of North America
• Indigenous peoples of the Americas

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