Erie Canal Collection

Erie Canal route
Map of the Erie Canal across New York state, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal barge at Troy, New York
Barge on the Erie Canal at West Troy, New York, in the late 1800s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal locks
Boat in the Erie Canal locks at Lockport, New York, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal at Schenedtady, New York
Erie Canal barge towed through Schenectady, New York, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

View Of Erie Canal
Several groups of people talk and walk along the Erie Canal, Lockport, New York, 1830s. (Kean Collection/Getty Images)

Towing Erie Canal barges on the Hudson River
Erie Canal grain-boats towed down the Hudson River to New York City, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Opening the Erie Canal, 1825
New York Governor Dewitt Clinton on the ceremonial first boat to open the Erie Canal, 1825. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal boats wintering in New York harbor
Erie Canal boats anchored for the winter at the East River docks, New York City, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal boats at their New York City dock
Erie Canal boats anchored on the Hudson River, New York City, 1850s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

NEW YORK: LOCKPORT, 1836. View of the Upper Village of Lockport, New York, from above the Race showing the ten combined locks on the Erie Canal. Lithograph, 1836

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, 1841. A branch of the Erie Canal in central Syracuse, New York: wood engraving, American, 1841

Benjamin Wright, " father of civil engineering," 1800s
NWI4948857 Benjamin Wright, " father of civil engineering," 1800s.; (add.info.: Benjamin Wright, " father of civil engineering," 1800s.); Photo © North Wind Pictures.

Horatio Allen (1802-1889)
865221 Horatio Allen (1802-1889); (add.info.: Horatio Allen (1802-1889) American civil engineer and railroad pioneer. Assisted in the design of the Erie Canal

James Geddes, surveyor and engineer for the Erie Canal
NWI4948848 James Geddes, surveyor and engineer for the Erie Canal.; (add.info.: James Geddes, surveyor and engineer for the Erie Canal.); Photo © North Wind Pictures.

The Canal harbor, Buffalo, N.Y. c.between 1910 and 1920. Creator: William H. Jackson
The Canal harbor, Buffalo, N.Y. c.between 1910 and 1920

Erie Canal, Rochester, N.Y. between 1900 and 1906. Creator: Unknown
Erie Canal, Rochester, N.Y. between 1900 and 1906

Erie Canal at Salina Street, Syracuse, ca 1900. Creator: Unknown
Erie Canal at Salina Street, Syracuse, ca 1900

Horses pulling canal boat on towpath, Erie Canal (engraving)
2975607 Horses pulling canal boat on towpath, Erie Canal (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System)

Plate, 1790 / 1818. Creator: Enoch Wood & Sons
Plate, 1790/1818. Entrance of the Erie Canal into the Hudson at Albany. Made in Burslem, Staffordshire, England for the American market

Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System, completed in 1825 (litho)
2975611 Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System, completed in 1825 (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; American, out of copyright

Horses pulling a canal boat on Erie Canal (engraving)
2975606 Horses pulling a canal boat on Erie Canal (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System)

Construction derricks near Lockport, Erie Canal (coloured engraving)
2975605 Construction derricks near Lockport, Erie Canal (coloured engraving) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; American, out of copyright

Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System
2975608 Erie Canal: key part of the New York State Canal System; Broadside of 8th October 1823 celebrating its opening (completed in 1825) (litho) by American School

Group of 5 Stereograph Views of Canals, 1860s-80s. Creator: Unknown
Group of 5 Stereograph Views of Canals, 1860s-80s

Little Falls, 1874. Creator: Frederick William Quartley
Little Falls, 1874. The Mohawk River at Little Falls, New York State, USA. The river here makes a descent of over forty feet, accomplishing the effort in three small falls

USA, New York State. Winter snowfall on the Erie Canal, Cedar Bay Park

USA, New York State. Animal tracks in snow, Erie Canal

Bluff on the Erie Canal, Near Little Falls, 1883. Artist: G. Wyand
Bluff on the Erie Canal, Near Little Falls, 1883. From America Illustrated, edited by J. David Williams. [DeWolfe, Fiske & Company, Boston, 1883]

Grain-Boat on the Erie Canal, 1883. From America Illustrated, edited by J. David Williams. [DeWolfe, Fiske & Company, Boston, 1883]

Entrance to the Erie Canal at Buffalo, New York, 1880s
Lake Erie freighters and Erie Canal barges along the waterfront of Buffalo, New York, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Barges towed by steam power on the Erie Canal
Steam-powered canal-boat towing a barge on the Erie Canal, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Mules towing a barge on the Erie Canal
Grain-boat towed by a mule team on the Erie Canal, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

ERIE CANAL OPENING, 1825. New York Governor DeWitt Clinton pouring water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean at the Grand Erie Canal Celebration in New York Harbor, 4 November 1825

Grain barges leaving Chicago for the Erie Canal
Barges loaded with grain from Chicago bound for the Erie Canal, under tow on Lake Michigan, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

An outing on the Erie Canal in the early 1800s
Passengers enjoying a cruise on the Erie Canal, 1820s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Erie Canal in Buffalo, New York
Boats at their moorings on the Erie Canal in Buffalo, New York, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

View of Little Falls Mohawk River
Engraved illustration of the Little Falls Mohawk River which is part of the Erie Canal and a horse-drawn carriage on a nearby bridge, circa 1800s. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images)

Boat Sailing On The Erie Canal
Engraving of a man on horseback watching a boat maneuver on the Erie Canal, near Little Falls, New York, circa 1800s. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images)

ERIE CANAL, 1825. The construction of the Erie Canal at Lockport, New York: lithograph, 1825

ERIE CANAL: LITTLE FALLS. The Erie Canal at Little Falls. Oil on canvas by William Rickarby Miller, c1884

ERIE CANAL: LITTLE FALLS. Village of Little Falls, New York, showing the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. Steel engraving, 1839

ERIE CANAL OPENING, 1825. New York Governor DeWitt Clinton pouring water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean at the Grand Erie Canal Celebration in New York harbor on 4 November 1825

CARTOON: NEW YORK, 1824. A Caucus Held at Albany. Cartoon satirizing the duplicity and conspiracy of the Democratic-Republican Party in New York State known as the Bucktails

ERIE CANAL: OPENING, 1825. A fire company float at the Grand Canal Celebration in New York, 4 November 1825

ERIE CANAL OPENING, 1825. A view of the North (Hudson) River and City Squadrons uniting into one fleet and preparing to form the line of procession to Sandy Hook for the Grand Canal Celebration at

ERIE CANAL: OPENING, 1825. A hook and ladder company in the Grand Canal Celebration in New York, 4 November 1825

ERIE CANAL OPENING, 1825. New York Governor DeWitt Clinton pouring water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean at the Grand Erie Canal Celebration in New York City on 4 November 1825

ERIE CANAL, 1832. Watercolor drawing, 1832, by John William Hill (1812-1879)

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The Erie Canal, a historic waterway that stretches across New York State, holds tales of adventure and industry. From its humble beginnings to becoming an essential trade route, the Erie Canal has left an indelible mark on American history. Starting at Troy, New York, the Erie Canal winds its way through picturesque landscapes and bustling cities. The sight of a majestic barge gliding along the canal in Troy is a testament to the ingenuity behind this engineering marvel. As one travels further along the canal's path, they encounter impressive locks that allow boats to navigate changes in elevation. These locks are not only functional but also serve as reminders of the perseverance and determination it took to construct such a monumental project. In Schenectady, New York, one can witness firsthand the beauty of the Erie Canal as it meanders through this vibrant city. The tranquil waters reflect both nature's splendor and human achievement side by side. Towing barges on the Hudson River showcases how interconnected waterways facilitated commerce between regions. The Erie Canal acted as a vital link for transporting goods efficiently and economically. Opening in 1825 was cause for celebration; it marked a new era of transportation possibilities. This momentous event forever changed travel patterns and spurred economic growth throughout New York State. During winter months when icy conditions prevailed elsewhere, New York Harbor became home to numerous Erie Canal boats seeking refuge from freezing temperatures. A testament to their resilience against harsh elements while awaiting springtime journeys once again. Docked at their final destination in New York City stands an array of colorful canal boats - symbols of prosperity brought about by this incredible feat of engineering. They represent countless stories woven into America's tapestry during times when canals were lifelines connecting communities far apart. Lockport offers breathtaking views with its Upper Village overlooking serene waters below - evidence that even after decades have passed since completion; these structures continue standing tall as testaments to human ambition realized.