Did you know that the last remaining canal weigh-lock station in the country is in Syracuse, New York? It is now the site of the Erie Canal Museum.
In the middle of New York State, an historic feat of innovative engineering began that would forever change the way boats, goods and people would be transported from east to west, and transform New York State into the Empire State. The Erie Canal was conceived in 1817, and completed in 1825. The canal connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes. Construction on the canal actually began in the middle, because it was thought to be the most cost effective – i.e., the cheapest! It also allowed excitement and financial support to grow as the canal was completed.
Visitors can climb aboard a replica canal boat and view the changing exhibits. You’ll find fascinating stories of the difficulties in the construction of the canal and what life was like living on the canal. The Erie Canal helped transform New York State into the nation’s principal Seaport.
For more information
The Erie Canal Museum
http://eriecanalmuseum.org
