The Erie Canal

Buffalo is the western terminus of the Erie Canal, a primary shipping route dug in the 19th century. Barges were pulled down the Canal by mules.

In Lockport, an historic Canal village were Locks 34 and 35 that still are operated today mostly for pleasure boaters.

In Tonawanda was evidence of the old mule path, now for bicycles.

The boat waited for the lock to fill so it could move to a higher elevation.

The huge green doors noisily creaked open for the boat to pass through.

The doors were intimidating for their size and noise.

Looking in the other direction toward Albany, I saw the bridges over the Canal.

Low Bridge

I've got a mule, her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way I (we) know
From Albany to Buffalo

Chorus:
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge cause we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal
Get up there Sal, we've passed that lock,
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
And we'll make Rome before six o'clock
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
One more trip and back we'll go
Through the rain and sleet and snow
And every inch of the way I (we) know
From Albany to Buffalo
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal.