Experience history on two wheels by biking along the Empire State Trail. The Erie Canal played a crucial role in moving people, raw materials, finished goods, and ideas, transforming our economy and earning New York the title of the Empire State. In celebration of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s opening, join the Oneida County History Center for a leisurely ride along the towpath on June 4th at 6:00 p.m.
Construction of the Erie Canal began in Rome on July 4, 1817. For over eight years, workers dug a ditch through the wilderness of New York, eventually uniting the Hudson River to the “inland seas” of the Great Lakes. The canal proved so successful that it was subsequently enlarged to accommodate more traffic, then enlarged again as the Barge Canal, which was completed in 1918.
This round-trip ride will begin at Lock 20 in Marcy and head east along the canal towpath, making stops to explore historical points of interest. To register for this free event and more information, please visit oneidacountyhistory.org/programs.html.
