Albion in Orleans County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Calamity Sept. 28, 1859
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
1. Calamity Sept. 28, 1859 Marker
gathered here on a wooden
bridge to watch a tightrope
walker cross the canal. It
collapsed killing 15 people
Erected 2002 by Orleans County Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 28, 1859.
Location. 43° 14.937′ N, 78° 11.632′ W. Marker is in Albion, New York, in Orleans County. Marker is on South Main Street (New York State Route 98), on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the south bank of the canal at South Main Street (NY 98), west of the lift bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Albion NY 14411, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Erie Canal 1825 (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Downtown Albion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Erie Canal Spurs Albion's Growth and Prosperity (about 600 feet away); Lafayette's Tour (about 600 feet away); Hitching Posts (approx. 0.2 miles away); Irish, English, Italian and Polish Immigrants (approx. 0.2 miles
this page online
More about this marker. South Main Street becomes North Main Street crossing the lift bridge.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
2. Calamity Sept. 28, 1859 Marker
Marker is between the building and the canal on the far side of the street.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
3. Calamity Sept. 28, 1859 Marker
Can't manouver away from the sun on the lift bridge walkway.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
4. Calamity Sept. 28, 1859 Marker
Eastward view. The old downtown seems to begin here at the canal.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
5. Builder's Plate, South End of the LIft Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 9, 2014
6. Calamity Sept. 28, 1859 Marker
Boaters see "Albion" on the bridge. I noticed a courtesy or gentlemans' system for trucks crossing the bridge. Opposing traffic waits for larger trucks to cross, probably due to the challengingly narrow width of the bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 515 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 19, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
