Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of approximately 240 linen maps showing locations of channels, structures, appropriated lands, and terminals of the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga and Seneca Canals and the location of old canals in relation to the Barge Canal System as improved under Chapter 147, Laws of 1903; Chapter 391, Laws of 1909; and Chapter 716, Laws of 1911 and amendatory laws. Chapter 147, Laws of 1903, provided funds for the improvement of the canal system and Chapter 391, Laws of 1909 authorized improvement for the Cayuga and Seneca Canals. The improved canals would become the Barge Canal System.

The maps contain information regarding individual structures and appropriated lands not found on other maps of canal lands. This includes descriptions of state property boundaries, state property boundaries where the state owned flowage rights, boundaries of property formerly owned by the state which were released, and ownership of the state in lands adjacent to the old canal, as wells as centerlines of enlarged canals, structures (including contract numbers, detailed drawings of sections with grade lines before and after improvement) and structure types (such as taintor gates, terminal walls, etc.), former owners of appropriated lands (including parcel number, contract number, and acreage).

Also, contracts are often summarily quoted. The maps occasionally provide descriptions of structures built or repaired, contract number, and contract letters pertaining to the alterations. Finally, the maps contain data on Barge Canal terminals built at various locations during the 1920's.

The series is divided into five sub-series: 1) Eastern Division of the Erie Barge Canal, 2) Middle Division of Erie Barge Canal, 3) Western Division of the Erie Barge Canal, 4) Champlain Barge Canal, and 5) Cayuga and Seneca Canal. The maps are then arranged numerically by residency number.