Where the Erie Canal Used to Flow

I learned yesterday that the Erie Canal once flowed through downtown Syracuse. The Erie Canal connects Lake Erie in Buffalo to the Hudson River in Albany and was constructed between 1817 and 1825.

Here is a postcard rendition of the Erie Canal in Syracuse, around 1915.

This section of the Canal was abandoned around 1918 when it was replaced by the New York State Barge Canal. Around 1925, the water way in Syracuse was filled in
to create Erie Boulevard.



The shallow water remains as a reminder of the Canal and in the winter serves as an outdoor skating rink. In the front left of the photo is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. The Syracuse Savings Bank is to the right.

Looking towards the west, another view of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, with the Clinton Exchange in the background.



To the South of the Syracuse Exchange is the Gridley Building. It was built in 1867, and previously known as Onondaga County Savings Bank Building.


And there's your history lesson for today.....