The Seneca Chief, a replica of the original barge that traversed the canals from Lake Erie to New York Harbor in 1825 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the waterway dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, drops anchor in three Mohawk Valley ports on its “Return to Buffalo” journey, which begun when the operating locks and canal ways opened for the season on May 15.
The replica vessel, dubbed a floating museum, offers students and citizens a glimpse of life on the Erie Canal during the dawn of America’s industrial revolution.
It will dock in Little Falls on June 9-10, then in Rome on June 11-12, making its final stop in the Mohawk Valley at Sylvan Beach on June 13.
The Seneca Chiefand the Erie Canal
The Seneca Chief, replica of the original barge vessel that carried the Governor Dewitt Clinton of New York along the state’s preeminent canal system from Lake Erie’s shores in Buffalo to New York Harbor in 1825 to officially open the Erie Canal, was replicated this past fall as the vessel floated in the water-steps of its inspiration to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the system of canals that redefined trade, travel, and the footprint of America.
After a long winter nap, the Seneca Chief set sail on May 15 for home, the Buffalo Maritime Center on the shores of the Great Lake Erie.
Along the way, the historic vessel will anchor at 16 ports of call during its “Back to Buffalo Voyage: Along the Erie Canal” tour from June 6 to June 27, when The Seneca Chief returns home.
During just over three weeks in June, the floating museum will center an educational agenda, delivering “NYS curriculum-aligned programming and public engagement opportunities expected to reach more than 5,000 students and thousands of community members statewide,” according to the Buffalo Maritime Center website.
Little Falls docking
Little Falls, in a statement, invites visitors to “step back in time and experience a living piece of New York’s maritime heritage!”
The community is promoting the Seneca Chiefbringing “hands-on history, education, and celebration” to its canal community.
On June 10, The Seneca Chief will be docked at Little Falls Canal Harbor at Rotary Park, 74 Southern Avenue, where local dignitaries will be on hand to make welcoming remarks at 4 p.m.
The vessel will then be open to public tours till 7 p.m.
“Come aboard (or view from the dock) this stunning replica and explore life on the canal as it was in the 1800s. Knowledgeable crew members will share captivating stories about the boat’s construction, its historic significance, and the Erie Canal’s profound impact on New York’s economy, culture, environment, and communities. Enjoy descriptive presentations and have your questions answered in this immersive experience,” the statement goes on to offer.
Rome Docking
There will be a welcoming ceremony at 6 p.m. on June 11 at Bellamy Harbor Park, 139 East Whitesboro Street. On Friday, June 12, the vessel will host “Family Hour” visits from 12 noon – 4 p.m., and public visiting hours from 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Del Fuego and its Authentic Mexican food truck will be on site on Friday from 2-7 p.m. selling food and refreshments.
Sylvan Beach Docking
On June 13, The Seneca Chief is scheduled to dock at Erie Canal 1st Bypass – 13 Canal Street, before heading East to arrive in Brewerton, on June 14.
The Village of Sylvan Beach did not immediately return a message seeking further comment on the docking.
No Utica Docking
Although The Seneca Chief docked in Utica on its bicentennial tour, there is no visit scheduled for the “Return to Buffalo” voyage.
Utica Mayor Michael Galime recalled a great visit by the vessel in October, which he attended, but added, Portofino, where the boat docked last year, is a privately owned restaurant, as is their canal frontage. Any arrangements would need to have been made with them directly.
“Their event on the way east was great,” said Galime.
With regard to potential docking in connection with Harbor Point, the waterway involves “Utica Harbor Lock,” a floodgate long closed with a lift lock used only for water level control. It is governed by the Canal Corporation.
“The city has suggestions on how we may work together to get that open again,” said Galime, “but at this time, we have decided to simply use the harbor as an active recreational water body.”
Galime confirmed that docks are a next step, but would only be accessible via the Mohawk River, not the active canals.
“For the time being,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Seneca Chief replica barge stops in 3 Mohawk Valley ports on way home
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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