Because of difficulties with the planned route of the main canal, doubts in the ultimate success of irrigating the ‘Colorado Desert’, and the distraction of other national events, such as the sinking of the USS Maine, significant work on the project was not advanced for almost half a decade.
During this time, Charles Rockwood desperately tried to find investors for his company and funding for the project, but was unsuccessful.
USS Maine Sunk in Havana Harbor on Feb 18th, 1898
