The Caogong Canal was originally constructed during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. It was excavated under the leadership of Cao Jin, the magistrate of Fengshan at the time, to alleviate drought conditions. After the old Caogong Canal was completed, it provided irrigation for the five villages of Xiaozhushang, Xiaozhuxia, Dazhu, Fengshanshang, and Fengshanxia, earning it the nickname "Wuli Canal" (Five Village Canal). Later, General Supervisory and Military Commander Xiong Yiben, who also served as the Governor of Taiwan, officially named it "Caogong Canal" and commemorated the event with an inscribed stele.