Canal Boats in Winter Quarters, New York City, 1900-1906
THF204094 / Canal Boats in Winter Quarters, New York City, 1900-1906
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Artifact Overview
Some canals were impassable during winter months. Many Erie Canal captains rafted their boats up and had them towed down the Hudson River to New York City. Canal boat captains (often with their families) lived on docked boats or rented nearby housing, overhauling the boats or working temporary jobs elsewhere until the weather warmed and canals became navigable again.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
1900-1906
Subject Date
1900-1906
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
P.DPC.016199
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 7 in
Width: 9.25 in
Inscriptions
In pencil on verso: Canal Boats in Winter Quarters New York City
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Related Content
SetAmerica's Canal Era
- 34 Artifacts
In the early 19th century, Americans looked to canals for transportation. Artificial waterways carried people and goods over long distances with minimal power, extending water-borne commerce from seaports to inland communities. But canals were expensive to build and maintain, and floods, droughts and freezing weather interfered with operations. Railroads offered a better alternative and brought an end to America's canal era.