Community Info

Syracuse, located in the heart of upstate New York, boasts a rich history intricately tied to the Erie Canal, a vital waterway that transformed the economic landscape of the region in the 19th century. Established in 1825, the Erie Canal served as a crucial link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, facilitating the transportation of goods and fostering economic growth.

Syracuse, strategically positioned along the canal’s route, became a pivotal hub for commerce and trade. The city’s prosperity soared as it evolved into a bustling center for manufacturing and distribution. The canal allowed raw materials and finished products to be transported efficiently, propelling Syracuse into a prominent role in the emerging industrial economy of the time.

Moreover, the Erie Canal played a pivotal role in shaping Syracuse’s identity, earning it the nickname “The Salt City.” Syracuse became a major salt producer, capitalizing on its vast salt springs and leveraging the canal to transport this valuable commodity to markets across the nation.

In essence, Syracuse’s connection to the Erie Canal is deeply ingrained in its historical narrative, symbolizing the city’s economic ascendancy and pivotal role in the development of transportation infrastructure during a transformative era in American history. Today, remnants of this legacy can still be seen in the city’s architecture, museums, and the Erie Canal Museum, which stands as a testament to Syracuse’s enduring link to this iconic waterway.

News & Events

  • Art & History Along The Erie Canal

    Explore the juxtaposition of art and history along the Oswego and Erie canals in Oswego and Onondaga counties. Experience vibrant arts centers and interesting tours of modern and historical facilities. Take a walk down a quaint historic street, through fascinating museums, shops and a thought-provoking gallery.   Begin your tour along the historic Oswego Canal […]

  • Onondaga Lake Cleanup About To Come To An End

      A massive cleanup project on Onondaga Lake is about to come to an conclusion. Honeywell’s final work of restoring the shoreline is slated to conclude this month. The company completed dredging 2.2 million cubic yards of lake bottom in 2014 and capping 475 acres of the bottom this year. Honeywell project manager John McAuliffe […]

  • Corning Glass Museum Glass Barge

    The Corning Glass Museum Glass Barge is coming to the Erie Canal. The museum has taken their mobile hot shops across the globe. This all-new world class performance venue brings floating Hot Glass Demos to the Museum’s New York State neighbors along the Erie Canal and its connected waterways. In 2017, the Glass Barge will […]