

Belgium, Leopold I (1831-1865). Medal commemorating the Act of May 20, 1845 on the construction of the Liège-Maastricht Canal, by L. Jehotte F., Bronze 50 mm, weight 47,40 g., Condition aUNC, nice patina
The Liège-Maastricht Canal (French: Canal Liège-Maastricht), originally the Side Canal, was built between 1845 and 1850 on the left bank of the Meuse River (also Dutch territory since 1847). It bypassed fluctuations in the river's water level from Liège to Bassin in Maastricht. It was dug by hand, shovel and wheelbarrow, but not just by men. The hard work was done by botteressen (women boatmen) from Liège. The new canal was to be ceremonially opened in October 1850, first in Liège and then in Maastricht. However, Louis Marie d'Orléans, the first Queen of Belgium, died on October 11. All ceremonies were canceled; the Liège-Maastricht Canal was quietly opened.
source: wikipedia.org