Since the late 18th century five canals have been carved through Rome to promote commerce and trade.
In 1797, The Western Inland Navigation Company built the Rome Canal to eliminate a two-mile carry between the historic water transportation routes of Wood Creek and the Mohawk River.
The Clinton's Ditch Erie Canal spanning New York State was completed in 1825.
The portion through Rome was routed south of the village, damaging Rome's prospects as a commercial center and raising the ire of local civic leaders. But when the Enlarged Erie Canal was completed in 1855, the canal was re-routed through the heart of town, bringing with it the chance for increased prosperity in Rome.
The Black River Canal was dug in 1838 to supply water to the Erie Canal summit level between Utica and Syracuse and facilitate boat travel between Rome and Watertown.
The modern Erie Canal was completed in 1918. It incorporated canalized rivers and lakes to accommodate thousand-ton self-propelled barges.
Today, only the modern Erie Canal is in use for navigation. Portions of the earlier canals are still visible while other portions have been paved over.
Be careful of muggles at peak times, replace as found, and BYOP.
Congratulations to BG_YO for this FTF.