Erie Canal Museum at the base of Lock 34.
Erie Canal Museum at the base of Lock 34.
Lock 35
Flight of Five Locks.
Map by William Tipton
vessels, all of which were constructed using only hand tools and animal and human labor. Workers hand-drilled holes and blasted through rock. The engineers confronted and learned from each obstacle—they even developed a form of cement that hardened under water. New York Governor DeWitt Clinton relentlessly promoted building the canal despite opposition that derisively called it Clinton’s Ditch. When it finally opened, the Erie Canal ran 425 miles and had 83 locks. Symbolic of the connection, Governor Clinton was said to have emptied a barrel of water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean when the canal opened on October 26, 1825. The construction didn’t end with its opening. The success of the canal meant bigger boats with greater cargo capacity. Originally only 4-feet deep and 40-feet wide, the canal was broadened and deepened. Technological advances meant that in some cases the canal could be enlarged via a process called “canalization”—the rivers that had previously been avoided now became part of the canal. Today, the canal is open from early May to November. Engineering improvements have reduced the number of locks to 35 and still allow boats to change elevation as they navigate the system. The biggest change is probably in the type of vessel that now cruises the canal—pleasure boats enjoying the scenery along upstate New York.
A side-product of the engineering marvel was the construction of one of the wider bridges in the world. Fondly named the Big Bridge, the canal-spanning bridge is 399 feet wide and was generally acknowledged as the widest in the world when it was built in 1914. Although the bridge still exists, some of its grandeur has been lost to a parking lot for the Lockport City Hall, on its northwest corner. Exploring the Locks and the Canal The town of Lockport owes its existence to the canal and locks that run through town, and exploring that engineering marvel is a highlight of a visit to Lockport. There are two experiences that are unique to that history. Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride is a 70-minute guided tour through the history of the locks, including the Flight of Five—the five locks that were the original locks built in town. Although crucial to commerce, the canal was also an important source of an early form of hydro-mechanical power. Birdsill Holly Jr. (1822-1894), a mechanical engineer and inventor, harnessed that energy and his achievement is the basis of one of the fascinating visitor attractions of the town. While few have heard of him today, Holly is credited with 150 patents related to using water to power machinery and
steam-powered fire engines. In 1859, Holly founded Holly Manufacturing Company in Lockport and built a system of tunnels that used the water from the Erie Canal as the power source for the machinery below. Although Holly had planned for four factories, only three were completed. With the coming of electric power, the more cumbersome water-powered system fell out of favor and the fourth factory was never built. The guided tour takes visitors to the locks built along the Lockport section of the Erie Canal, then past the remains of Holly’s tunnel system. Perhaps the most fascinating part is the walk and boat ride through one of the actual tunnels. Guides describe not only how the tunnels were built and used, but add a human dimension with stories about the workers who blasted out the tunnels. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises takes visitors on a two-hour canal cruise "locking through”—being raised via the only still functioning double set of locks on the Erie Canal. These two original locks were restored to operating condition in 2014. It’s a unique experience and a clear highlight that puts the visitors into the heart of the Erie Canal experience. The narrated tour also describes the sights along the canal (including the upside down bridge that only looks like it’s upside down), and presents lovely views of the city and the countryside from an unusual perspective. Cruises depart
daily from May to mid-October. The locks were numbered and the town originally had locks 67 through 71—the historic “flight of five” locks. Advancements in technology allowed engineers to reduce the number of locks in the system. Two of these more powerful electric locks—E34 and 35 are open for use with the historic locks still next to them and visitors can see them side-by-side. A tiny free Erie Canal Museum sits in the middle, located in the former Barge Canal powerhouse. The Erie Canal Discovery Center and Lockport Visitor Center is a must-stop for additional history of the locks, and to learn more about the town. The building itself has history as well, being part of a 19th century stone church. The success of the locks contributed to the financial achievements of Lockport and resulted in its historic district. Surrounding the canal’s Flight of Five Locks, the Heritage District also features the Historic Canal Street District, Old City Hall, and Erie Canal Discovery Center. Riley's Way Walking Tour, named after the City Historian William H. Riley (1922-1990), highlights more than a dozen sites, with plaques telling their stories. Pick up the guide at the visitor center and follow the tour booklet to learn more about Lockport’s history. Although not canal-related history, the Niagara County Historical Society operates three sites focused on Lockport’s
16 COAST TO COAST SPRING 2017
COAST TO COAST SPRING 2017 17
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker