October 28, 1819

ONEIDA, New York

Economy, Erie Canal, Migration/Transportation

On the crisp autumn morning of October 28, 1819, in western New York a boat called the Chief Engineer left Rome, New York to take the first journey on the Great Canal to Utica. A group of about thirty men were passengers on the boat, many of whom were distinguished guests, including Governor Dewitt Clinton, the canal’s chief advocate. Spectators lined the banks of the canal, as if lining the streets...