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On The Road: Erie Canal, Monument of Progress That Shaped a Nation

Program Number: 21000RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/8/2013 - 9/21/2013;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Buffalo, New York
Price starting at: $3,266.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; History & Culture
Meals: 32; 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 7 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 spurred the first great westward movement of American settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the Appalachians and made New York the preeminent commercial city in the United States. Discover the history of the Erie Canal and its enormous impact on the development of our nation. Study the canal from the perspective of the innovations in engineering required to complete it, and examine the influence of this transportation route that opened trade into the heart of America, turning small towns into blossoming cities and in turn inspiring social change, cultural progress and religious movements.




Highlights

• On boat excursions at select points along the Erie Canal, cruise through the canal’s highest locks, visit a historic canal town and more.
• Learn about the Women’s Rights Movement in Seneca Falls and the Underground Railroad in Rochester.
• Compare all three of the Erie Canal constructions at Schoharie Crossing and enjoy excursions to Niagara Falls, Saratoga Battlefield and Lake Ontario.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day, walking and standing in museums; stairs unavoidable at locks, on cruise boats.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Buffalo, 2 nights; coach to Seneca Lake, 2 nights; coach to Utica, 2 nights; coach to Albany, 3 nights; coach to Syracuse, 2 nights; coach to Rochester, 2 nights; coach to Buffalo, departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Buffalo (New York)

Set amid a parks system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Buffalo houses a treasure trove of culture, including more than 50 private and public arts galleries, a diverse population of Sicilian, Polish, Greek and Latino heritages, and an architectural cache that includes masterworks by Louis Sullivan, H.H. Richardson and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Accommodations
Full-service hotels in locations that enhance the exploration of each destination.
Meals and Lodgings
   Adam's Mark Hotel
  Buffalo, New York 2 nights
   Ramada Geneva Lakefront
  Geneva, New York 2 nights
   Hotel Utica
  Utica, New York 2 nights
   Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
  Albany, New York 3 nights
   Genesee Grande Hotel
  Syracuse, New York 2 nights
   Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside
  Rochester, New York 2 nights
 Adam's Mark Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Adam’s Mark is located at the Waterfront in the heart of the Buffalo downtown business district within walking distance of the Niagara Convention Center, theatre, and major sports complexes.
  Contact info: 120 Church Street
Buffalo, NY 14202 USA
phone: 716-712-5525
web: http://www.adamsmark.com
  Room amenities: Room service, same-day dry cleaning/laundry, irons and boards in every room, express check-out, safe deposit boxes, cable TV with remote, AM/FM alarm radios, and in-room movies.
  Facility amenities: Complimentary Wireless Internet Pool Fitness Center Room service Same-day dry cleaning/laundry Gift shop
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Vary by date Pre and Post nights are based on hotel avaliabilty and rates vary by date. Please call Road Scholar at 617-521-5373 for date specific information.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Ramada Geneva Lakefront
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, enjoy a scenic stay at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront hotel near Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake Wine Trails.
  Contact info: 41 Lake Front Drive
Geneva, NY 14456 USA
phone: 315-789-0400
web: http://www.ramada.com/hotels/new-york/geneva/ramada-geneva-lakefront/hotel-overview
  Room amenities: 27" (standard) remote control television with 50-channel cable, AM/FM clock radios, Voice Mail, Data ports, Wireless High Speed Internet Service, In-room safe, amenity tray, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, full-length dress mirror and desk
  Facility amenities: High-Speed Internet Service •24 hour front desk •Three diamond hotel •Pier House restaurant with Lake Front dining. Open for breakfast. lunch and dinner. •Grapevine lounge •Complimentary Business Center •Located Minutes away from wine trails •Inside corridors, 2 elevators, 6 stories •Shopping and site seeing within walking distance •Ice/vending machines •ATM machine •City Dock access •Jogging / Walking trail •Patio dining •Safe deposit box •Business services •Handicap accessible rooms •Wake-up calls
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Utica
Type: Hotel
  Description: Take a brief moment to look back on a proud past. The date is March 11, 1912, only five weeks prior to the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic. On this day in history, the magnificence of Hotel Utica was complete, and its doors were opened to commercial travelers and sophisticates alike. In 2002, Hotel Utica proudly joined the prestigious National Trust Historic Hotels of America as an affiliate hotel. The Renaissance Revival-style hotel is now one of 180 hotels and resorts throughout the nation recognized for its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.
  Contact info: 102 Lafayette Street
Utica, MA 13502 USA
phone: 877-906-1912
web: http://hotelutica.com/index.cfm/home
  Room amenities: free wireless high speed internet access, oversized television, in room movies and cable TV, air conditioning, two phones with dual lines, modems, plus a recharging station for your laptop, voice mail, complete designer toiletries, full sized iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and coffee maker. Laundry/valet service is available.
  Facility amenities: •Free wireless high-speed Internet access in all rooms •Exercise room •Copy and fax services available •Guest computer with Internet access in the lobby
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
Type: Hotel
  Description: Shining new and warmly welcoming, the Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown Hotel is the brightest star on the Albany skyline. The newest hotel in Albany, the Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown keeps you close to the action in the city. The upscale services and amenities ensure your stay is both pleasant and productive.
  Contact info: 25 Chapel Street
Albany, NY 12210 USA
phone: 518-432-7000
web: http://www.hamptonsuitesalbany.com
  Room amenities: Curved Shower Rod Duvet Covers Easy to Set Alarm Clock Radio Ergonomic Desk Chair TV - 32 Inch LCD HD Coffee Maker Hairdryer High Speed Internet-No Charge Iron Iron/Ironing Board Lap Desk Newspaper M-F (USA Today) Purity BasicsTM Bath Amenities
  Facility amenities: The new hotel boasts wired and wireless Internet access, on-site exercise facility with sauna and steam room, fresh hot coffee and tea in the lobby 24/7 and accessible rooms are available. All rooms and suites are smoke free and feature the Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed™.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Genesee Grande Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: 1060 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
phone: 800-365-4663
  Smoking allowed: No

 Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside is conveniently located in the center of downtown Rochester, overlooking the Genesee River. Connected to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, it is the primary link to an enclosed skyway system that encompasses over 100 retail stores, restaurants and office buildings
  Contact info: 120 East Main St.
Rochester, NY 14604 USA
phone: 585-546-6400
web: www.radisson.com\rochesterny_riverside
  Facility amenities: State of the Art, 24 hour Interactive Business Center Complimentary in room coffee makers, irons, ironing boards and blow dryers Two executive telephones equipped with voice mail and data ports High-Speed Wireless Internet Access throughout the hotel 37” HD flat panel television featuring on-command video with premium cable channels and movies In-room safes for your convenience ATM conveniently located in our Hotel’s Grand Lobby Heated outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) Exercise facility with Stairmasters, Treadmills, Bikes and a Dry sauna Gift Shop and Tailor Shop on property 12 wheelchair accessible sleeping rooms – some equipped with roll-in showers
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after:  N/A
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3 p.m.: Hotel Check-In; 3-5 p.m.: Program Registration. 5:30 p.m.: Orientation and Welcome. 6:30 p.m.: Dinner in the hotel. You will be staying at Adam's Mark Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Transfer from Rochester to Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the program start hotel. Please do not schedule flights prior to 1 p.m. You will be staying at Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available in the Adam's Mark Hotel parking garage for $10 per day x 14 days.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Buffalo, New York
  Nearest airport:  Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Rochester, New York
Travel Details
 

Buffalo

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Train
Amtrak

 

Distance:

 

.5 mile
   

Buffalo - Exchange St., NY (BFX)
 

Buffalo

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Buffalo Airport Express
phone: 800-604-1570
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$27 up to 4 people
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 
Driving Directions
  From Niagara Falls Take 190 South to Niagara Street (Exit 8). Make a right on Niagara Street and go through 3 traffic lights to South Elmwood and turn right. Hotel is located at intersection of South Elmwood and Church Street.
  From the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Take 33 West (Kensington Expressway) to Oak Street. Make a right turn on North Division Street and follow North Division to the hotel.
  From the East Take I-90 West to Exit 53. Take Church Street exit and follow Church Street to the hotel.
  From the North Take Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to 190 South. Take the Niagara Street Exit (Exit 8). Turn right onto Niagara Street. Turn right on South Elmwood and follow to the hotel.
  From the South Take I-90 to Exit 53. Take Church Street exit and follow Church Street to the hotel.
  From the West Take I-90 East to Exit 53. Take Church Street exit and follow to the hotel.
  Parking Parking is available in the hotel parking garage for $10 per day x 14 days.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrivals / Welcome and Program Overview
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Afternoon: 3 p.m.: Hotel Check-In; 3-5 p.m.: Program Registration. 5:30 p.m.: Orientation and Welcome.
 Dinner: 6:30 p.m.: Dinner in the hotel.
 Evening: Orientation continues.
   
Accommodations: Adam's Mark Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Buffalo and Niagara Falls
(Monday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Buffalo is home to some of the best architectural examples in America. Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex, then the newly restored Erie Canal Basin, the original end location of the Erie Canal.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: An EXCURSION to Niagara Falls takes in views of the falls and provides insight to the Niagara escarpment, an important consideration in the construction of the Erie Canal.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Adam's Mark Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Lockport Locks and Medina Railroad
(Tuesday, September 10)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant.
 Morning: The Erie Canal is the most successful waterway in North America. It shaped the course of settlement and commerce between the Atlantic Seaboard and the interior of our country. The Erie not only made New York the “Empire State” and New York City the world’s leading seaport, but also contributed to the creation of the United States as a Superpower and the leader of the world’s economy. Set off on a journey of more than 800 miles that spans the entire 365 mile canal, as well as parts of the Cayuga-Seneca and the Champlain canals. HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: Depart to Lockport, for the first of our canal CRUISE experiences. “Lock through” the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal, as the boat raises 49 feet over the Niagara Escarpment. Witness the water cascading over Lockport’s famous “Flight of Five” 1825 locks and catch a glimpse of the original canal towpath.
 Lunch: A box lunch is provided.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Continue to the Medina Railroad Museum to view one of the largest freight depot museums in the country. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: In Spencerport, visit the Adams Basin House. Situated on the towpath, the tavern has changed little since the completion of the Erie Canal in the early 1800's. Continue to Geneva, in the nearby Finger Lakes Region.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure to enjoy a walk along the shores of Seneca Lake.
   
Accommodations: Ramada Geneva Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Women’s Rights and Cruise the Cayuga-Seneca Canal Through Montezuma Wildlife Reserve
(Wednesday, September 11)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: In Seneca Falls, learn about the Women’s Rights Movement. HANDS ON ACTIVITY: Then board the Rose Lummis for a CRUISE on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal through Montezuma Wildlife Reserve, where over 300 bird species are found, including Blue and Green Herons, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Peregrine Falcon.
 Lunch: Aboard Rose Lummis.
 Afternoon: Continue the cruise. View the intersection of the Erie Canal and Cayuga- Seneca Canal, clearly visible sections of original Clintons Ditch from the 1825 canal as the 1860’s enlarged Erie Canal, Lock #25, and the remains of Richmond Aqueduct, visible only from the Canal or original towpath.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Ramada Geneva Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Camillus Aqueduct, Fort Stanwix and Erie Canal Village
(Thursday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: Continue the Erie Canal journey at Camillus, for a CRUISE on the only restored portion of the Erie Canal that travels over an aqueduct. FIELD TRIP: Continue to Rome, New York and Fort Stanwix, to learn of the importance of this location. For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Europeans arrived, nations fought for control of the carry, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. In this struggle, Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.
 Lunch: Box lunch at Erie Canal Village.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP and On Site LECTURE At the Erie Canal Village living history museum, view the site where the first shovelful of earth was turned for the construction of the original Erie Canal on July 4, 1817. Continue to Utica.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Screen a movie about the region in the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Utica
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: The Geology of Little Falls
(Friday, September 13)

Note: The nature walk consists of a half mile walk with climbing over rugged terrain. The paths and rocks will be slippery when wet, thus appropriate foot wear is recommended. The most rigorous portion of the walk will be in and around the pot holes themselves so participants may choose not to venture into the pot holes. The majority of the hike is along a paved roadway and on well traveled trails.
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Travel along the Mohawk River. Today the channelized Mohawk River is the Erie “barge” Canal. The canal turned this region into America’s industrial powerhouse and original “tech valley” in the 1800’s. Today’s FIELD TRIP travels to Little Falls, to explore Lock 17 on the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River, the world’s deepest lock at the time of the canal construction. Take a guided walk with a naturalist to learn about Moss Island, designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Gaze upon the enigmatic “Pot Hole” formations of Moss Island and the sheer cliffs that surround you.
 Lunch: In Little Falls.
 Afternoon: Take some time at leisure to explore the re-purposed mill buildings or stroll the footpath. Return to Utica.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: A movie about the canal or local area will be screened in the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Utica
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Schoharie Crossing: Where Three Erie Canals Meet
(Saturday, September 14)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Schoharie Crossing is the site where all three stages of the Erie Canal development can be seen side by side. Lock 20 is the only intact lift lock from the 1825 original Erie Canal. The Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, built in 1841, was one of the canal’s largest aqueducts. Schoharie Crossing is also home to two preserved locks from the Enlarged Erie Canal. Take a guided walk of the East Guard Lock, Schoharie Creek and Schoharie Aqueduct, Empire Lock and Yankee Hill. A LECTURE describes the business and industries along the Erie Canal in small towns and big cities.
 Lunch: Box lunch at Schoharie Crossing.
 Afternoon: Continue to Albany, the Eastern terminus of the Erie Canal.
 Dinner: In a local restaurant.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Saratoga Battlefield and the Champlain Canal
(Sunday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: This region played a critical role in the battles of European exploration, conquest and imperial conflict. A FIELD TRIP explores the pivotal Battle of Saratoga on a visit of the National Historical Park with a historian. HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: Board the M/V Caldwell Belle, a sternwheel riverboat, for cruise on the Champlain Canal. The Champlain Canal offered a path for waterborne commerce from the Adirondacks, Vermont and eastern Canada.
 Lunch: Box lunch on board the canal cruise.
 Afternoon: Cruise through Lock C5, one of the deepest on the Champlain Canal. Return to Albany.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Waterford Locks at Troy
(Monday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: A FIELD TRIP visits Cohoes Falls and the Waterford Locks, in Troy.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Return to Albany.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hampton Inn and Suites Albany Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Schenectady and the Chittenango Boat Museum
(Tuesday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Embark on the return journey along the Erie Canal. FIELD TRIP to Schenectady, with a LECTURE that details the city’s unique role in the canal construction. Drive through the historic Stockade District. Continue to Chittenango.
 Lunch: Box lunch in the museum.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: At the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, view the unearthed three-bay drydock where boat builders and craftsmen built and repaired the 96-foot long cargo boats used on the canal in the late 19th century. Learn about the life and times of the canal boat builder and walk the historic towpath. Continue to Syracuse.
 Dinner: ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: Enjoy the local flavors of one of the city’s most famous restaurants, the Dinosaur Barbecue.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Genesee Grande Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: The Erie Canal Museum and the Importance of Salt
(Wednesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The Erie Canal Museum is housed in the National Register 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, where canal boats were once weighed to assess a toll. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in America. Examine the museums collection of artifacts, maps and images that tell the story of Erie Canal construction and canal life.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Discover the industry that created the city of Syracuse and supplied the nation with salt, at the Salt Museum.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Genesee Grande Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Palmyra and the Western Canal Towns
(Thursday, September 19)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Head to Palmyra, “Queen of the Canal” to envision daily life in a canal town. Visit the William Phelps Store and home, unchanged from 1940, the Palmyra Historical Museum and the Alling Coverlet Museum – the largest collection of American hand-woven coverlets. HANDS ON ACTIVITY: Board the m/v Mary Jemison.
 Lunch: Box lunch on board.
 Afternoon: View the iconic Western canal towns as the original passengers did, from the deck of a boat as it CRUISES along the canal. This part of the canal still follows its original path and retains its historic relationship to communities along its banks. Pass by Fairport and disembark in Pittsford.
 Dinner: In a local restaurant.
 Evening: Continue to Rochester and arrive at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Rochester: The Underground Railroad and Eastman’s Innovations
(Friday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP and PERFORMANCE: Walk in the footsteps of the freedom-seekers who traveled the Underground Railroad en route to a new life. View the High Falls area and learn Rochester’s historic beginnings as a mill town.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Examine the lifestyle and inventions of George Eastman, the father of popular photography and an example of the Erie Canal’s legacy of culture, arts, academics and architecture.
 Dinner: Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.
 Evening: Exchange memories and reflections with your fellow participants.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Departure Transfer from Rochester to Buffalo
(Saturday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: The circuit of the Erie Canal, spanning 365 miles from Albany to Buffalo is complete. Transfer from Rochester to Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the program start hotel. Please do not schedule flights prior to 1 p.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


An Englishman's Journey along America's Eastern Waterways


Author: Herbert Holtham


Description: A facsimile of the 1831 journal of the Unitarian minister, who traveled along the six-year-old Erie Canal. With 30 pen-and-ink drawings.



Bond of Union, Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire


Author: Gerard Koeppel


Description: Koeppel traces the politics, drama and impact of the building of the Erie Canal in this lively new history of the 1825 waterway that connected the Great Lakes to New York City.



Buffalo's Waterfront


Author: Thomas E. Leary


Description: A photohistory of the waterways of Buffalo, the western terminus of the Erie Canal, from its post-civil war industrial boom through the 1950s. Part of the Images of America series.



Eighty Years and More, Reminiscences 1815-1897


Author: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ellen Carol Dubois (Introduction)


Description: The autobiography of the pioneering American feminist, who devoted her life to campaigning for expanded women's rights, most notably female enfranchisement. Cady Stanton's words offer an insightful glimpse of 19th-century American society.



Erie Canal


Author: Martin Morganstein


Description: This collection of 200 archival images captures both the beauty of 19th century rural New York, and the ingenious engineering feats of the day.



Erie Canal


Author: Deborah Williams


Description: This guide to exploring New York's historic canals covers the Oswego, Cayuga-Seneca, and Champlain Canals as well as the Erie.



New York State Map


Author: American Map


Description: A road map of New York at a scale of 1:710,000.



New York State Wildlife, An Introduction to Familiar Species


Author: James Kavanagh


Description: This handy plastic card illustrates commonly encountered birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles.



The Artificial River, The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862


Author: Carol Sheriff


Description: This scholarly volume explores antebellum social and cultural changes, focusing on the effects of the transportation revolution in upstate New York on the region's middle-class.



The Erie Canal Reader, 1790-1950


Author: Roger Hecht


Description: The essays, travelogues, and fiction by writers including Trollope, Melville, Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe capture the landscape and life along the Erie Canal from its birth in the New York frontier, through its heyday and 20th Century decline.



The Erie Canal, Cruising America's Waterways


Author: Debbie Daino Stack


Description: A tribute and guide to exploring the historic canal sysyem across western New York from Lake Erie to Albany and the Hudson River.



The War That Made America, A Short History of the French and Indian War


Author: Fred Anderson


Description: Anderson (Crucible of War) illuminates relations between the Indians, French and British in 18th-century North America.



Wedding of the Waters, The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation


Author: Peter L. Bernstein


Description: Bernstein captures the enormity of the Erie Canal project, recounting its genesis, construction, financing, and operation.





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