Erie Canal Harbor

=History=

Originally built in 1825 as the "portal to the west," the Erie Canal Harbor served as the terminus for the passage of goods and passengers from the East Coast across the Great Lakes for much of the 19th century. More importantly for Buffalo, the commercial activity fueled by the harbor helped transform the city into a thriving metropolis.

As the culmination of nearly a decade¹s worth of effort, the first phase of the historic canal harbor area redevelopment will open to the public in 2008. This includes the restoration of several unique facets of the original Erie Canal Harbor, such as the "Commercial Slip," which served as the historic juncture between the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes; the wooden-plank "Central Wharf," which stretched from the foot of Main Street to the Commercial Slip; the award-winning "Whipple Truss" foot bridge, which accurately resembles other traditional canal spans and connects the "Central Wharf" to cobblestone "Commercial Street;" prominent canal-era buildings, which house various naval and military artifacts; as well as the excavation site of the original "Steamship Hotel" building foundations, which are presented alongside several interpretive exhibits showcasing the historical significance of the Erie Canal.

Location

The Erie Canal Harbor is located at the intersection of Scott and Lloyd streets in downtown Buffalo, New York and can be accessed through a temporary entrance near the Commercial Slip, or by way of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park located on the western edge of the harbor. The City of Buffalo also plans to operate floating docks on the harbor site, including hourly water and electric service for up to 40 vessels beginning this summer.