Day 8- Where the Mohawk Meets the Hudson
Sometimes being able to see things from a different perspective changes your outlook on things. The passengers aboard the
Seneca Chief knew they would reach the end of the Erie today, so much to see...if only it weren't still dark out, The moon was still waning gibbous on November 2nd, 1825, giving our travelers enough light to make out the shadows of the landscape. They could hear the mighty Mohawk River beside them. Their gentler course was welcomed, especially in a world awaiting daylight with only the moon to dispel the darkness. As twilight filled the predawn sky, houses along the river became distinguishable from the surrounding terrain.
As daylight approached, they crossed the first of the last two aqueducts on their journey. The Rexford Aqueduct would carry the boat across the Mohawk where the canal channel would be along the north side of the river for the next several miles. An change of pace from seeing water off the port side of the boat.
After locking down three more times (the now familiar enter, close the gate, drain the water, open the front gate, float on), they came to the next curiosity, although not an unfamiliar, one. They passed by the ferry operated by Eldert Vischer. He had come to the area in 1790 and established a rope ferry that could load wagons and coaches onto a platform, then safely ferry them over the Mohawk as there were no bridges in this area. While this boat did not need his services as it was safely ensconced in its channel, it was interesting to observe the ferryman taking early risers heading to Albany across the Mohawk. Soon these goods could be loaded up onto freight and sent that way. Fewer wonky rides across the river required. And those heading west need not fear a wobbling stage. This canal would change everything.
The second aqueduct would come into view around 10 am...this would take the Seneca Chief back over to the other side of the Mohawk: the Crescent Aqueduct. This aqueduct crossed the swiftly-moving Mohawk on a wooden tough supported by 12 stone piers. Passengers held their breath, part in awe and part in prayer as they crossed back to the south side of the river. They were thankful, once again for being above it all...as just around the bend they could hear the roar of waterfalls crescendo.
"Little Falls" got its name as it was a little falls compared to Cohoes which was also known by the moniker "Great Falls". Its roar captivated artists whose ability to portray it was better by some than others. The Passengers could see the water roar over the falls off the port side of the boat. Once again, boats and falls did not make a good mix. Canals however made looking at them from a distant quite pleasant.
From here the next town to travel through was West Troy (now Watervliet). The Hudson River was now visible from the deck of the Seneca Chief. This area was more than familiar to Governor DeWitt Clinton. He had served as the sixth governor of New York, as well as Lieutenant Governor over a decade ago. He had seen this project through. It was really happening. Say all they want, but he knew they were all wrong, short-sighted.
As they locked down in the final lock, they arrived in Albany. People gathered to see the famous boat that had left Buffalo one week ago, the prior Wednesday, and already made it here! And that was with all the stopping and celebrating along the way! Stage coaches could do the trip in about 2 weeks, maybe three if you stopped often, but this changed everything!
As they neared the harbor in Albany at 1pm, the people were already cheering. They had done it. With the help of engineers, laborers, politicians...and even the cooks who kept everyone fed, they ALL had done it...and in only 8 years! No one man could have placed all the stones or dug all the trenches. But one man could envision it all...and see it through. And he did. They moored once again, Clinton stepped off the Seneca Chief, with the others, once again to ready to celebrate.
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