SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – 200 years ago the city of Syracuse was nothing but a small community of 250 residents that lived in homes that stood on stilts in swampland. But, all of that changed in the conclusion of a single project: The Erie Canal.
The Erie Canal project connected the waterways of the Hudson River and Lake Erie going right through the heart of the city and helped to grow the Syracuse economy into what it is today. The Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Canal in the city. Museum executive director Natalie Stetson says the project forever changed the region.
“When the canal opened up we were a very young country and now 200 years later we forever changed this region,” Stetson said.
The 200th anniversary was something that the museum was looking forward to. Stetson says they had big plans, but due to COVID-19, they are having to adapt.
“This year was supposed to be just a big celebration all year long, supposed to have parties and proclamations,” Stetson said, “But things change and you have to roll with the punches.”
The Museum is now celebrating the anniversary by keeping their doors open and still welcoming visitors. Masks, as well as reservations, are required before entry, but to celebrate a piece of history in the city of Syracuse, it is well worth it.
