Press Release
January 12, 2023
New York State Parks Announces Stabilization Begins on Erie Canal Aqueduct at Schoharie Crossing
"We are thrilled to be able to undertake this important project and preserve this engineering landmark for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers," said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "This stabilization project will ensure that the aqueduct remains a world-class destination for visitors, while also honoring the ingenuity and hard work of the New Yorkers who built it over 180 years ago. The aqueduct is a component of one of our most visible parks within the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor and tells the story of New York's role in the expansion of our nation."
The stabilization project will involve extensive repairs to the aqueduct's foundation and structure, as well as the installation of new interpretive signage to educate visitors about the site's history. The aqueduct, which once carried the Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek, is among the oldest remaining original structures of the canal.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "The Erie Canal Aqueduct at Schoharie Crossing is an invaluable piece of the historic Canal that helped to build the New York we have today, and the Canal Corporation is grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued dedication to the preservation of our shared history. This stabilization project ensures the aqueduct will continue to stand as a reminder of our State's remarkable history and engineering achievements, for both New Yorkers and visitors alike to experience."
Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Bob Radliff said, "With the upcoming bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025, stabilization of the Schoharie Aqueduct could not be more timely. This momentous project will offer hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Empire State Trail and Erie Canal opportunities to touch history, learn about the far-reaching impacts of New York's canals, and witness the State's stewardship of historic resources."
Senator Neil Breslin said, "It is imperative that we preserve vital pieces of our history along the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor. This stabilization project at the Erie Canal Aqueduct over the Schoharie Creek honors the hard work and engineering foresight that went into building it over 180 years ago and will now remain a destination for visitors to continue to learn about and enjoy."
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, "Sites like the Erie Canal Aqueduct at Schoharie Crossing are invaluable and stand as a keystone of New York's rich history. The start of this project that will stabilize and restore this critical portion of the original Erie Canal is especially important to our upstate community and it's one I'm excited to be a part of. Once completed, this site will continue serving as a lasting reminder of the talent our state is known for. I couldn't be happier to see one of the gems here in our upstate community receiving the care and attention it deserves. I look forward to seeing visitors come back to the site to learn about our history and be inspired."
Assemblymember Robert Smullen said, "It is good that the state recognizes the importance of preserving the historic Erie Canal Aqueduct at Schoharie Crossing. This project will highlight the incredible engineering feat completed by our people more than 180 years ago as the aqueduct carried the Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek. I encourage all residents to visit the site later this year once this project has been completed."
The Erie Canal Aqueduct at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The site will resume normal operations at the boat launch and picnic area upon completion of the project in 2023. Updates on the status of the project can be found at parks.ny.gov or on Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site social media.
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th century's greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Visitor Center exhibit traces the history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation. Within the site's boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the canal's development. At the eastern end of the site is the Putnam Lock Stand at Yankee Hill that houses an exhibit on Erie Canal stores. The site's largest structure is the remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek. Schoharie Crossing is also the location of 18th century Fort Hunter and the Lower Castle Mohawk village.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.