The Aqueduct
The Schoharie Creek
Before the construction of the aqueduct at Schohane Crossing, canal boats had to make a treacherous crossing through the natural waters of the creek. The horses and
mules were often ferried across or . . . — — Map (db m251430) HM
Limestone was used to build locks, aqueducts, and other features throughout New York State's canal system both because of its availability and its durability. This limestone block was a capstone from the Schoharie Aqueduct. Local limestone formed . . . — — Map (db m64591) HM
Dams played a vital role in the operation of both the original and the Enlarged Erie Canals. Although only one dam was in use here at any
given time, several dams were built throughout the 19th century to replace those constantly being destroyed . . . — — Map (db m176625) HM
In front of you are the stone remains of the East Guard Lock, which date to the original Erie Canal. A key element to the canal's operation was controlling the amount of water entering the system. Too much water was more dangerous than too little. . . . — — Map (db m88430) HM
When New York State began enlarging the Erie Canal in the mid-1830s, it became the center of a bitter controversy over the use of public monies for internal improvements. This may explain why the state legislature did not properly fund the . . . — — Map (db m252790) HM
Crossing the Schoharie Creek presented a challenge; whenever it flooded, traffic remained at a standstill. Plans were made to build an aqueduct to carry the canal over the creek and thus
avoid the problems encountered when the creek was flooding. . . . — — Map (db m252122) HM
Long before the Erie Canal was constructed, Schoharie Crossing was home to a Mohawk village called the Lower Castle, which consisted of 40-50 houses surrounded by a defensive palisade. Following a request for missionaries made by Mohawk chiefs . . . — — Map (db m88534) HM
The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and transformed travel and trade but it also became a source of disease in the nineteenth century. Contaminated water, mosquitoes, poor sanitation, and close proximity among passengers allowed illnesses to be . . . — — Map (db m299106) HM
On August 28, 2011, Hurricane Irene produced historic flooding that caused the Schoharie Creek to breach its banks and destroy the site's parking lot. As the flood water receded, a number of stone walls and numerous artifacts associated with the . . . — — Map (db m88541) HM
Early settler, obtained from Mohawk Indians 450 acres of land in 1737. Was one of contractors who built Queen Anne Chapel and Fort Hunter. — — Map (db m213131) HM
Prior to the 1880s, barges traveled along the Erie Canal as single boats drawn by two horses or mules. Westbound barges moved quickly for they were
either empty or carried light cargo. Canal traffic
headed east, however, was often congested . . . — — Map (db m252788) HM
Lock 30 of the Enlarged Erie Canal was built between 1838 and 1841 in this location to allow for the efficient operation of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the canal over, and totally apart from, the Schoharie Creek. Prior to the aqueduct's . . . — — Map (db m66552) HM
Historical documents identify this general area as the location of the Lower Mohawk Castle throughout the 1700s. In 1712 the missionary at Fort hunter described this Mohawk village: "Their chief town or castle as it is called, stands by the fort, . . . — — Map (db m88340) HM
Along with remnants of an English fort, a Mohawk village, and the original Erie Canal, this location also contains features that echo back to the time when the hamlet of Fort Hunter was an agricultural community. Two modest farm houses, a corn . . . — — Map (db m88545) HM
The partially water-filled ditch in front of you is a portion of the Erie Canal. Construction of this canal began July 4, 1817, in Rome, New York. The canal was dug in two directions at the same time, west toward Buffalo and east toward Albany. . . . — — Map (db m88433) HM
Putman's Lock Grocery, owned by the Garret Putman family from 1855 into the 1900s, is typical of the many stores which lined the canal. Part of the store, which contained living quarters and rooms for rent, was destroyed by fire in the 1930s. The . . . — — Map (db m47503) HM
Built 1712 for use of missionaries to Mohawk Indians. Here in 1775 Rev. J. Stuart & J. Brant translated in Mohawk the Gospel of St. Mark. — — Map (db m213140) HM
The stone structure extending about halfway across Schoharie Creek in front of you is what remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct. Built between 1839 and 1841 as part of the Enlarged Erie Canal, the Schoharie Aqueduct was perhaps the single greatest . . . — — Map (db m142208) HM
Frequent flooding of Schoharie Creek at the original crossing of the Erie Canal often backed up traffic for miles and impacted profits. When the canal was enlarged, an aqueduct over the creek was designed in part by renowned engineer John B. . . . — — Map (db m236017) HM
The stone structure extending about halfway across Schoharie Creek in front of you is what remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct. Built between 1839 and 1841 as part of the enlarged Erie Canal, the Schoharie Aqueduct was perhaps the single greatest . . . — — Map (db m299067) HM
Frequent flooding of the Schoharie Creek at the original crossing of the Erie Canal often
backed up traffic for miles and impacted profits. When the canal was enlarged, an aqueduct over the creek was designed in part by renowned engineer John B. . . . — — Map (db m299089) HM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site was established in 1966 to honor the great contributions of the Erie Canal to the growth of both New York State and the entire nation. Schoharie Crossing is dedicated to protecting the many remaining . . . — — Map (db m88337) HM
Welcome!
To your left down Hartley Lane, you wil find the western end of
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, which is dedicated to the
preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the nineteenth century's greatest . . . — — Map (db m299109) HM
Site of
Old Fort Hunter
Built 1711-12 by order of
Gov. Hunter for Protection
of Mohawk Indians. Was
Stockaded and Surrounded
Queen Anne Chapel.
— — Map (db m47293) HM
Because there is a current on the Erie Canal, a
method of diverting the water through the locks
when the gates were closed had to be devised
to prevent the locks from flooding. Square
openings at the head of the locks were developed
to channel . . . — — Map (db m252784) HM
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site was established in 1966 to recognize the important impacts of those who designed, built, and used the Erie Canal and its contribution to the growth of both New York State and the nation. Schoharie Crossing is . . . — — Map (db m299065) HM
Residence of
William Harper
Montgomery County delegate
to Constitution Ratification
Convention at Poughkeepsie
17 June - 26 July 1788 — — Map (db m252115) HM
