When and why was the causeway built across West Lake?
Question: When and why was the causeway built across West Lake?
Answer: Built by the 2nd dynasty Lê kings in the 1600s.
Trúc Bạch Lake was separated from the West Lake by the construction of a narrow dike (Cổ Ngư, “reinforcement”) in the 17th century to allow the king and his military to access the Red River without having to cross through the city or go down the Tô Lịch River or cross West Lake, and to create a shallow lake for raising fish.
In 1957-58, the causeway was expanded from a two-lane road to a divided boulevard with parks on both sides. The Civilian Youth Corps helped with this widening, and the road is now nicknamed Youth Road.
On October 26, 1967, during the Vietnam War, John McCain, then a US Navy pilot, was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile on a mission against a Hanoi power plant and parachuted wounded into Trúc Bạch Lake, nearly drowning. He was dragged out of water and mauled by a mob. A monument celebrating the downing of “Tchn Sney Ma Can” was erected at the western shore on Thanh Niên Road; McCain saw it on his first journey to Vietnam in 1985.
Very interesting ! Go on and continue with such explanations !
There is a small island next to this same ‘youth road’ which is accessable only by boat. Is there a small shrine on this island and who or what is it dedicated too ?
Yes, quite interesting, but what does “Tchn Sney” mean? It doesn’t look like Vietnamese and it doesn’t seem to be a way to say “John”.
John McCain’s full name is John Sidney McCain III.
Thank you Gaby and John for your interest. If I have time, I will see what I can find out about the little island. More similar explanations in the works along with info re: upcoming events. Thanks Kathy for the Sidney.