IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Site Name: Abandoned Barges near Lock 32
  • Location: Pittsford, New York, along the Erie Canal
  • Coordinates: Approximate area around Lock 32
  • Vessel Type: Wooden and steel barges
  • Construction Material: Wood, possibly reinforced with steel
  • Year Built: Mid to late 19th century (specific dates unknown)
  • Current Condition: Submerged remains, partially visible above water
  • Historical Use: Transportation of goods along the Erie Canal

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The barges near Lock 32 are relics of the Erie Canal’s historic era of commerce. Designed for the efficient transport of bulk goods, these vessels were integral to the canal’s operations during its peak. They likely carried agricultural products, raw materials, and manufactured goods between the Great Lakes and New York City, connecting inland America to the broader global trade network.

HISTORY

  • The Erie Canal:
    • Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal revolutionized transportation by linking the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and, subsequently, the Atlantic Ocean.
    • It spurred economic growth, allowing goods to be transported at a fraction of previous costs.
  • Role of Barges:
    • Barges were the workhorses of the canal, providing reliable transportation for goods.
    • These vessels operated as part of an intricate system of locks and aqueducts, facilitating movement through varying elevations along the canal.
  • Decline of Use:
    • By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, railroads and later highways began to replace canals as the primary mode of freight transport.
    • Many barges, rendered obsolete by evolving transportation technology, were Abandoned along the canal’s banks, including the section near Lock 32 in Pittsford.
  • Preservation by Time:
    • The barges now serve as historical artifacts, offering insight into the industrial past and the role of canals in shaping the economy.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Cause of Abandonment: Obsolescence due to the rise of railroads and highway systems.

Remains:

  • The remains of several barges are visible in shallow water near Lock 32.
  • They are in varying states of decay, with some timbers and structural components still identifiable.

Preservation Status: The site has not undergone formal preservation but remains a point of interest for historians and locals.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

  • Visibility: Depending on water levels, portions of the barges may be visible.
  • Access: The site can be accessed from the Lock 32 area, popular with hikers, kayakers, and canal enthusiasts.
  • Structural Integrity: Degraded over time, with exposed wood and potential hazards like sharp edges or entanglement risks for divers or explorers.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Abandoned barges near Lock 32 serve as tangible connections to the Erie Canal’s history. They are silent reminders of the canal’s transformative impact on commerce and transportation. As industrial artifacts, they highlight the ingenuity of the past while illustrating the transition to modern transportation systems.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

  • Hazards: No formal Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist, but recreational users of the Erie Canal should exercise caution near submerged wreckage.
  • Access Considerations: The site is publicly accessible but requires care to avoid damaging the remains or personal injury.

RESOURCES & LINKS

CONCLUSION

The Abandoned barges near Lock 32 in Pittsford, NY, are more than relics of a bygone era; they are powerful symbols of the Erie Canal’s transformative influence on 19th-century America. Preserved by time and the still waters of the canal, these remains invite reflection on the ingenuity and challenges of canal-based transportation. For locals and visitors alike, they provide a tangible link to a period when waterways like the Erie Canal were lifelines of commerce and progress.

KEYWORDS

#ErieCanal #Lock32 #PittsfordNY #AbandonedBarges #GreatLakesHistory #CanalTransportation #IndustrialArchaeology #HistoricalShipwrecks