The Erie Canal
Welcoming the World
Many Europeans-including large numbers of Irish, German and Dutch immigrants - and New Englanders migrating west boarded packet boats or line boats. The cost to ride a line boat. Sometimes just a penny.
Left Inset:
A Tale Of Two Rides
Wealthy travelers rode the canal in luxury, with chef-prepared meals and beautiful views. Poor immigrants often found themselves on cramped, dirty boats-conditions they knew well from their trip across the Atlantic.
Right Inset:
40,000 Passengers and That Was Just the Beginning.
40,000 passengers from all walks of life traveled the Erie Canal in 1825. This included the wealthy, poor immigrants, merchants and even those peddling goods from watches to candies to books. And that was only in the first year. Today, the canal remains a vibrant waterway enjoyed mostly for water and land-based recreation.
Nearby Attractions:
Erie Canal Cruises, Herkimer
Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse
Canal Place, Little Falls
Erected by Path Through History/I Love NY.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 42° 55.003′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Erie Canal (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mohawk Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Transportation is King / Modernization (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Mohawk Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Mohawk Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Dam. That's Not a Bridge? (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fonda.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
