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Brockport in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Brockport and the Canal

 
 
Brockport and the Canal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2014
1. Brockport and the Canal Marker
Inscription.
The opening of the Brockport to Buffalo section in October 1825 marked the completion of the 348 mile Erie Canal. By linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Canal provided the first economical means of transportation from the eastern seaboard to the Midwest. The cost of shipping a ton of wheat from Buffalo to New York City fell from $100 to $5-10. This made mass settlement of the Midwest practical and enabled the United States to become a continental nation. Communities like Brockport along this new highway to the west benefited greatly from the Canal and became important ports for shipping agricultural and industrial products.

One of the seven Toll Collector's offices on the canal was located on Brockport's south bank. This benefited Brockport economically during the canal's peak years in the mid-19th century, as all canal traffic was required to stop at the village and toll receipts were deposited in local banks.

Hiel Brockway
Hiel Brockway, Brockport's co-founder, was a land speculator, developer, home builder, and brick maker. His boatyard was called the largest canal packet boat builder in the world. His Red Bird Packet Line carried passengers between Albany and Buffalo. Congressman Elias B. Holmes, Brockway's son-in-law, ran the competing Opposition Packet Line.

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This photograph of the Village of Brockport east of Main Street was taken before 1910, when the Canal was enlarged to its current width.
 
Erected by New York State Canals.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceMan-Made FeaturesSettlements & SettlersWaterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1825.
 
Location. 43° 13.011′ N, 77° 56.272′ W. Marker is in Brockport, New York, in Monroe County. Marker is on Main Street (New York State Route 19), on the right when traveling north. Marker is along the Erie Canal walking path, about 75 feet east of the north side of the Main Street drawbridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brockport NY 14420, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Canal Commerce in Brockport (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street Brockport Enterprises in the Early 1900s (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); McCormick Reapers (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Main Street District (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Brockport and the Canal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2014
2. Brockport and the Canal Marker
(approx. 0.2 miles away); Trolley Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Park Ave. / State St. Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brockport.
 
Also see . . .  Brockport History. Town website entry (Submitted on August 3, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.) 
 
Brockport and the Canal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 4, 2014
3. Brockport and the Canal Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 516 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

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Mar. 19, 2024