The Erie Canal’s origins date back more than two centuries when a series of essays inspired a plan that would eventually connect New York City to Buffalo. Read on for many of the significant moment in the Canal’s 200-year existence.
1808
Hawley’s Essays
Jesse Hawley publishes the first essays advocating for a canal through New York. Writing under the pen name Hercules, he wrote a series of 14 essays proposing a canal connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
1810-1816
Mapping out the Canal
New York appoints a commission to explore possible canal routes. The New York State Legislature approves $20,000 for canal surveys.
1817-1823
Construction of the Erie Canal begins
Construction of the Erie Canal begins at Rome, extending west and reaching the Genesee River in Rochester by 1820. The section between Rome and Rochester opens in 1823
October 26, 1825
Official opening of the Erie Canal
Official opening of the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo; celebrated by the “Wedding of the Waters” ceremony. Governor Clinton rides on the Seneca Chief for ten days from New York City to Buffalo, pouring water from the New York City Harbor into Lake Erie.
1836-1842
The Canal expands
Enlargements of the original canal begin to handle larger boats in what would become the first major expansion.
1870
Railroad hit the scene
Competition from railroads begins to reduce canal traffic.
1880
Trade hits peak
Freight shipments peak at over 4 million tons. Trade brings in significant amount of revenue for New York.
1895-1918
New York State Barge Canal
New York creates the State Canal Commission to assess improvements. In 1903, construction begins on the New York State Barge Canal, a major overhaul of the canal system. When it opens in 1918 the Barge Canal replaces much of the original Erie Canal route with wider and deeper channels.
1920s
Locomotives take over
Commercial use of the canal declines sharply due to trucking and railroads.
1930s
Preserving the Canal
The federal government designated the Canal as surplus property, but preservation efforts began.
1992
Modernizing the canal
The Barge Canal becomes the New York State Canal System. The New York State Canal Corporation, a newly created subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority, takes control of the Canal and revitalizes interest.
2000
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Congress designates the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, recognizing its historical importance.
2019
Canal becomes a recreation destination
The Erie Canalways Challenge launches as a program that encourages hiking, biking and paddling along 360 miles of the Canal and trails.
2025
Bicentennial
Bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s opening is commemorated across New York State.
