The Grand Old Erie Canal flows through the center of historic Lockport, NY. Between 1817 and 1825, this 363 mile long, hand-dug waterway was constructed to connect the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean at sea level, with the Great Lakes at 570 feet above seal level. To overcome the 49-foot tall Niagara Escarpment, Lockport was chosen as the location of the the famous "Flight of Five". This twin set of 5-tiered locks allowed boats to travel up in one set and down in the other. After the canal was enlarged in the the early 1900's, the original twin set of 5 locks were replaced with the current set of 2 locks. One of the original "Flight of Five" was kept as a spillway.
We took a 2 hour cruise on this part of the Eire Canal while the Captain of the boat provided commentary on the history of the canal and Lockport. Parts of the original towpaths are still visible alongside the canal. Horses, mules, and dogs walked along the towpaths towing the boats through the canal. During the cruise we were entertained by old-time Erie Canal songs. Does anyone remember the famous "Low Bridge, Everybody Down"? I didn't remember that song, but Jim does, so he sang along.
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