ClaireKitzmansAdventure: The Erie Canal, Phoenix NY and Little Falls NY

The Erie Canal

Construction of the Erie Canal began in 1817 and it became operational in 1823. It is 338 miles long, and rises up and lowers 420 ft.

The are a few of the towns and villages that we made port in, and in order as we head south on the Erie Canal, I have some stories, history and other tidbits of information to share, All of them are really neat towns!

8/26/09
Phoenix NY
Phoenix, a Historic Canal Community was patented and purchased by Alexander Phoenix in 1832. In 1836 the Village was laid out in block and became incorporated in 1846. Lock #1 of the Oswego Canal is located within the village limits of Phoenix. Phoenix was primarily an industrial hub focused on manufactured goods and services to be shipped westerly using the canal system.

We tied up right next to this cute little museum, but It closed as soon as we got there, so most the information I have here was found on the internet.
Tom and Chris on Polar Pacer have decided to stick with us though the Locks and canal system.

8/27/09
Little Falls NY

Little falls, the south boundary of the town is defined by the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. 43°1′2″N 74°53′26″W43.01722°N 74.89056°W, Little Falls is a town in Herkimer County, New York, United States.

The Captain and I decided that since it was glass water calm out, that it would be neat to walk to the side of the canal via lock doors and take photos of Knot-a-lot and PolarPacer. On the way back, we ran into Chris Rappolt, and got to talking about my mission to find useful tid bits of information. And according to Chris, the Canal Structure Operator on duty at lock #21, (right before Little Falls N.Y), it is the highest point of the Erie Canal System. At lock #21 it is 420ft above sea level.
I remember that morning, heading down the canal, it was still glass calm, and I had the Erie Canal Song stuck in my head.

I had this song stuck in my head for a very long time!, I've even tried to play my harmonica and fiddle to it!