As New York State marks the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening in 1825, the City of Little Falls is preparing to host a historic milestone with the arrival of the replica Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief on Oct. 11.
This full-scale reproduction built by the Buffalo Maritime Center will dock at Benton’s Landing in Canal Place around 11:30 a.m., marking the start of a day-long festival that celebrates the canal’s transformative role in American history.
The original Seneca Chief played a pivotal role in the Erie Canal’s inauguration on Oct. 26, 1825, when Gov. DeWitt Clinton embarked from Buffalo on a journey to New York City. This voyage culminated in the “Wedding of the Waters,” where Clinton poured water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing the connection between the Great Lakes and the sea.
The 363-mile canal revolutionized commerce, reducing shipping costs by 95% and driving nationwide economic growth.
Now, two centuries later, the Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica – constructed over four years by hundreds of volunteers using traditional methods like white oak framing and hand-forged bolts – embarks on a 33-day Bicentennial Voyage starting Sept. 24, stopping at 28 ports to engage communities in reflections on the canal’s cultural, economic and environmental legacy.
In Little Falls, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief’s arrival will be celebrated with dignitaries including Mayor Deborah Kaufman, Assemblyman Robert Smullen and New York State Sen. Mark Walczyk speaking from noon – 12:30 p.m. Attendees can witness the planting of a commemorative white pine tree, symbolizing sustainability and tribute to the Haudenosaunee, and the addition of local canal water to a collection barrel bound for New York City.
From 1 – 5 p.m., the crew will offer tours and presentations on the boat’s construction and history.
The festival spans Canal Place, featuring live music from the BarRoom Neon Project in Sterzinar Park from noon – 2 p.m., along with vendors, food trucks, face painting and a kids’ coloring contest.
At the General Herkimer Home, events start at 4 p.m. with wine and beer tents, pumpkin bowling, music and a focus on a historic bateau. A guided lantern-lit walk from Benton’s Landing to the Herkimer Home begins at 4 p.m., with shuttle buses available.
Rock Valley Brewing Company hosts a Country Music Festival from 2 – 11 p.m. with multiple stages and bands.
Sponsors and volunteers are welcome; donations for the Seneca Chief can be made via the Buffalo Maritime Center; and vendor applications are available online.
For more details, visit mylittlefalls.com/seneca-chief.
This event is funded in part by the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Featured photo: Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Seaport Museum.
