Abstract. During the XIX century, explorers searched for a connection between two powerful Siberian rivers: the Ob and the Yenisei.  Such connection would help to reduce both the transit times and prices for goods traded between the Chinese border and European Russia (in particular, to the annual Novgorod fair), as well as stimulate industrial development in Siberia.  Many merchants and manufacturers offered to assist with financing the construction of the canal between the Ob and Yenisei in return for long term tax incentives as well as ownership rights for the canal.  The government rejected this idea, claiming that the idea was outrageous, the plan to construct the canal was flawed, and the requests for tax breaks and ownership rights were not feasible.  Finally, in 1875 another expedition was organized to search for an alternative route.  The best option transiting the rivers Ket, Ozernaya, Yazevaya, Small Kass, Kass, and Lake Vodorazdelnoe with access to Yenisei was chosen.
Keywords: Ob-Yenisei canal (water way), Siberia, Lake Vodorazdelnoe, rivers Kass, Ket, Ozernaya, Yazevaya, Lomovataya, Ob and Yenisei.