1699

French Engineer Vauban suggestscanal between Lakes Erie and Ontario.

1777

Gouverner Morris talks of thepossibility of a waterway linking the Great Lakes to the Hudson

1792

Western Inland Lock NavigationCompany was formed to provide a waterway from the Hudson River to LakeOntario

1793-1796

Western Lock Navigation Co. buildslocks around Little Falls

1797

February 5th, improvements, includinga canal to Lake Erie. 1816 Governor Dewitt Clinton's canal visit to Buffalo

1809

Two new York legislatures goto Washington and talked to President Jefferson about financial help. Hesaid no because he didn't feel it was practical

1810

A commission is formed to overseethe building of the canal

1812-1815

War of 1812 delays the beginningof construction

1817

The canal bill passed the statelegislature in April. July 4th Canal construction began in Rome, New York

1819

October 23, middle section ofcanal opened from Utica to Rome.

1820

The Erie Canal's middle sectionwas completed [ Utica to Salina] 1825 October 26th, first passage throughcanal from Lake Erie to New York City. 363 miles long, 40 feet wide,4 feetdeep, max displacement 75 tons,77 locks, total lockage 655 feet. Erie Canalwas completed. Celebrations opened the Canal.

1825

Nov. 2: Wedding of the Waters

1828

The Oswego branch opens.

1829

The Cayuga and Seneca branchesopen. 1835 The Erie Canal is enlarged.

1833

The Chemung Canal opens.

1836

Erie canal enlarged.

1837

The Chenango and Genosre canalsopen.

1884-1894

Improvements on the Canal aremade

1890

Erie canal enlarged again.

1918

Replaced Erie canal with Bargecanal.

1959

St. Lawrence Seaway opens.

1967

Old Erie State Park was created.