Lockport in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Life on the Barges
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
1. Life on the Barges Marker
Life aboard the canal barges involved hard work. All members of the family had important roles. The man would be in charge of the animals and manage the entire operation. The wife (and mother) had many chores in addition to caring for the household. Children pitched in and often acted as the “hoggee” driving the mules down the path.
President James Garfield as a teenager decided to “strike out on his own” and for some time worked as a “hoggee.”
Sidebar on the right
James Garfield (1831-1881) was the 20th President of the United States. During the 4th month of his term in office he was assassinated. His father had worked on the construction of the Erie Canal, and at age 16, James Garfield found temporary employment as a hoggee. This term was used to describe the young boys who were hired to care for and guide the mules that pulled the boats along the towpath of the canal.
Erected by New York State Canals. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 43° 10.262′ N, 78° 41.579′ W. Marker is in Lockport, New York, in Niagara County. Marker can be reached from Pine Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Pine Street, Lockport NY 14094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Locks West (here, next to this marker); Oak Wood Lock Flooring (here, next to this marker); Upper Locks View (a few steps from this marker); Lock Tenders Tribute (a few steps from this marker); Bulkhead (a few steps from this marker); Rope Marks in Iron Railings (within shouting distance of this marker); Lock Construction (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Fittings (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lockport.
More about this marker. This marker is located beside the canal locks, beneath the Pine Street Bridge.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
2. Life on the Barges Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
3. Life on the Barges Marker
This marker is on the left.
Internet Archive
4. Garfield on the Tow-Path
by Carl Claus in The Great American Book of Biography, International Publishing 1896.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on May 27, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
