In 2020, the New York State Canals are celebrating their 200th anniversary, a rich history of commercial and recreational activity that has helped define the region. For the past 200 years, New York State Canals have played an important role in connecting people and communities. The historic waterways have been an integral part of the state’s development, providing a smooth and reliable route for the transportation of goods, services, and people. With their annual celebration of the Bicentennial, the New York State Canals seek to honor this architectural and technological feat and the role it has played in our nation’s economy.
History of the New York State Canals
The construction of the New York State canals started in 1817 when the Erie Canal was officially started by then-Governor DeWitt Clinton. The Erie Canal was the dug out of upstate New York from the Hudson Valley at Albany to the Great Lakes at Buffalo. It is the result of a masterful engineering feat, stretching 363 miles and composed of 35 locks and 4,000 culverts. It was popularly referred to as “Clinton’s Ditch,” and by the time it was open in 1825, it was the longest canal in the world.
The success of the Erie Canal was followed by the construction of three more canals in New York State: the Champlain Canal, the Oswego Canal, and the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. The Champlain Canal, opened in 1823, connects the Hudson River to Lake Champlain. The Oswego Canal, opened in 1828, connects the Erie Canal at Syracuse to Lake Ontario. Finally, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, opened in 1821, connects the Erie Canal at Montezuma to Seneca Lake.
Each canal was unique and had its own specific purpose. The Erie Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and allowed for increased trade, transportation, and settlement of the state. It was instrumental in boosting the state’s economy, creating new farming opportunities, and opening up waterways for recreational activities as well. The Champlain Canal was intended to connect the Hudson River to Lake Champlain, allowing for more trade and tourism between New York State and its northern neighbor, Quebec. The Oswego Canal linked the western part of the state to Lake Ontario and was instrumental in establishing the fishing industry. Finally, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal connected the Finger Lakes region to the Erie Canal, making it the connection between the lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.
Modern-Day Uses of the New York State Canals
The canals’ legacy has endured. Today, they are used for transportation, recreation, and commercial activities. The waterways offer an ideal path for small boats, barges, and other vessels, allowing them to travel through the state quickly and efficiently. In addition, the canals are renowned for their picturesque views and are popular for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
On the business side, New York State Canals are frequently used for a variety of industrial activities. Barges can transport goods like coal, grain, fertilizer, and more up and down state. Companies also use them for hydroelectric power plants, and there are several canalside businesses in operation.
In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on preserving and restoring the canals and the communities that are dependent on them. In 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the NY Canals Program, a massive conservation and restoration effort. The NY Canals Program works in partnership with several organizations to provide grants and technical assistance to communities interested in revitalizing the canal area.
Celebrating the History of the New York State Canals: Bicentennial Plans
In 2020 the New York State Canals are celebrating their Bicentennial. To commemorate the occasion, New York State is planning a year-long celebration of the canals’ 200th anniversary.
The centerpiece of celebration is the “200 Miles of History” program, a series of events and activities held throughout the state. From special exhibits and lectures to guided canoeing and kayaking trips, there will be festivals, performances, and activities to suit every interest. The celebration will also include special events like an anniversary gala, parades, and fireworks.
In addition, New York State is partnering with cities and towns along the canals to create a long-term economic and recreational plan. This plan focuses on creating jobs, improving the infrastructure of the state’s rivers, and enhancing recreational facilities and activities. Ultimately, the bicentennial celebration is an opportunity to recognize the canals’ important role in the past, present, and future of New York State.
The New York State Canals are an essential part of the state’s identity and a cornerstone of its economy. From the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 to today, the canals have played an integral role in the region’s growth and prosperity. As New York State celebrates the 200th anniversary of its canals, it is an opportunity to look back and appreciate the vital role these waterways have played and the exciting possibilities for their future.
