The Journey Begins

Uncategorized 1 Minute

We’ve hauled some barges in our day…cropped-fullsizeoutput_1680.jpeg

“We’ve hauled some barges in our day, filled with lumber, coal and hay, and we know every inch of the way from Albany to Buffalo.” These lyrics are from the beloved song “The Erie Canal” by William S. Allen.  Many of us sang this song when we were growing up and still know it by heart.

Living along a small canal town, I often see the Tug DeWitt Clinton hard at work and can’t help but think of these lyrics when I see it pushing and hauling barges along the Erie Canal.

Built in 1926 by Frank, William and Henry Rice of East Boothbay Maine,  Tug Dewitt Clinton is one of the oldest working tugs on the Erie Canal.  It is 42′ in length and 14′ wide.

This blog will highlight some of the Tug’s adventures as it moves along the western end of the Erie Canal.  It never stays in one place for too long so there should be plenty to report!

 

Published by tugdewittclinton

I am interested in local history and happily reside in a small village on the Erie Canal. I have crossed the Canal thousands of times and still love to watch the bridges go up as the boats pass by. The Erie Canal and its vessels are part of the rhythm and fabric of our community. They have been intertwined for two hundred years and will continue through time. I am compelled to share the story of the DeWitt Clinton, a smaller but still mighty tug. We both call Albion our home and share something else in common - this Tug's captain is my brother.

Published

Leave a comment