Oct 8, 2025
SCHENECTADY, NY (October 8, 2025) — Discover Schenectady today announced that Schenectady County will continue its celebration of the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal with a stopover on Tuesday, October 14 from the Seneca Chief—a full-scale replica of the very first canal boat to travel the historic route.
The Seneca Chief is scheduled to arrive at the Mohawk Harbor at 3 p.m., followed by a welcome ceremony at 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with guided boat tours available from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Guests and media are invited to attend for photo opportunities, video coverage, and interviews.
“The Erie Canal is woven into the very fabric of Schenectady County’s history and hosting the Seneca Chief reminds us how the canal helped build our community and shaped our legacy,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We’re proud to be part of this statewide celebration honoring one of New York’s greatest achievements.”
One of the most anticipated events of the statewide bicentennial celebration is the ongoing cross-state voyage of the Seneca Chief, a replica of the boat used by Governor DeWitt Clinton in 1825 to inaugurate the canal. Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the Seneca Chief left Buffalo on September 24 and is now retracing the historic journey with 28 community stops, including Schenectady, before arriving in New York Harbor on October 25 to commemorate the canal’s official bicentennial date.
“The voyage of the Seneca Chief celebrates two centuries of innovation, connection, and community,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “The Erie Canal transformed New York into a hub of commerce and culture, and its story continues to inspire us today. We’re thrilled to see Schenectady County embrace this milestone with such pride and enthusiasm.”
The Erie Canal officially opened on October 26, 1825, spanning 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo and connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Nicknamed “Clinton’s Ditch” after Governor DeWitt Clinton, the canal reduced travel time across upstate New York from two weeks to just five days and cut shipping costs by nearly 90 percent. The waterway helped transform New York City into the nation’s leading port and played a pivotal role in making New York the “Empire State.”
For Schenectady, the Erie Canal was a lifeline for commerce, industry and population growth. The canal stretched more than 21 miles through Schenectady County, passing by the early Schenectady Locomotive Works and the beginnings of Thomas Edison’s General Electric plant before continuing west toward the Great Flats and Rotterdam Junction.
“This is a moment to celebrate Schenectady County’s place in New York’s canal story,” said Todd Garofano, Executive Director of Discover Schenectady. “The arrival of the Seneca Chief at Mohawk Harbor brings history to life in a way that everyone can experience firsthand, and we’re excited to welcome residents and visitors alike to be part of it.”
The canal’s bicentennial celebration in Schenectady also included the recent unveiling of Rooted in Motion, a large-scale historical mural at the Schenectady Amtrak Station, and the installation of a commemorative plaque along Erie Boulevard.
More information about the Seneca Chief’s voyage can be found here.
Photos of the Seneca Chief, mural, and plaque can be downloaded here.
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About Discover Schenectady: Discover Schenectady is a non-profit organization responsible for promoting travel, tourism, conference and convention assets and opportunities throughout Schenectady County. Discover Schenectady inspires visitors to experience and enjoy all that Schenectady County has to offer, from its vibrant communities with dining, entertainment and shopping to its gorgeous waterfront and outdoor activities.
For more ways to Discover Schenectady County all year long, visit www.discoverschenectady.com