Georg Jacob Steenke

Georg Jacob Steenke, born on June 30, 1801, in Königsberg, was a Prussian engineer and constructor best known for designing the system of inclines on the Elbląg Canal. His life was deeply connected to maritime traditions, as his father, Johann Friedrich Steenke, was the harbor master in Piława and a pioneer of the first maritime rescue service. After his father's tragic death in 1818, Georg switched his field of study from law to construction, and in 1828, he began his education at the Building Academy in Berlin. After completing his studies and earning the title of master builder, he realized the project of the Sekenburg Canal in 1833, commissioned by Count Keyserling. Later, while working in Elbląg, Steenke developed an innovative plan to connect the lakes of the Iława Lake District and construct the Elbląg Canal. His key achievement was the dry-back inclines, which enabled ships to overcome significant elevation differences. After retiring from his engineering career, he lived in the village of Czulpa, where he enjoyed great respect, receiving honorary citizenship from both Elbląg and Miłomłyn. In 1855, the village of Stankowo was named in his honor, and in 1872, an obelisk commemorating his achievements was erected near the Buczyniec incline. Interestingly, for many years, no known image of Steenke existed until 2018, when historian Lech Słodownik identified his photograph in an archive, shedding new light on the engineer whose work significantly influenced the development of water infrastructure in the region.