The canal map at Gasport, NY

The Erie Canal spans from where Albany meets the Hudson River to where Buffalo meets Lake Erie. When completed in 1825, the 363 mile Erie Canal was the second longest canal in the world.

The Erie Canal at Gasport

Construction began at Rome, NY in 1817. The canal has 34 locks, with an elevation difference of 565 feet.

The Tow Path at Middleport, NY

When it opened, the canal cut transportation costs by 95%. 1855 was the canal’s peak year, when 33,000 shipments took place.

The Erie Canal at Middleport

The last large commercial ship retired in 1994, and the canal has seen mostly recreational traffic since. 42 commercial shipments took place in 2008.

Bridge over the canal at Middleport. The cafe on the corner is well worth visiting.