Georg Steenke
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Georg Jakob Steenke (1801, Königsberg, Prussia - 1884, Elbing (Elbląg), Prussia) was a Prussian Royal Baurat (construction councillor). His father and grandfather from Königsberg were connected to the sea trade.
In 1833 Steenke built a canal, the Seckenburger Kanal, in the Memel (Klaipėda) area. He designed the Elbląg Canal (Oberländischer Kanal), which was built between 1844 and 1858 from Elbing (Elbląg) to southern Prussia and was inaugurated in 1860 and connected the cities of Iława (Deutsch Eylau), Ostróda (Osterode) and Elbląg. It connects territories with about 100 yards differences in heights by putting ships on tracks and using a system of locks.
A plaque to honor builder Steenke was removed after take-over by Poland. UNESCO placed the canal on its list of architectural marvels.
