A rare piece of Erie Canal history is expected to pass through Cayuga County this week as the replica canal boat Seneca Chief makes its way west on its 2026 Back to Buffalo Tour.
The full-scale replica, built by volunteers through the Buffalo Maritime Center, is retracing the route of the original Seneca Chief, which led the inaugural flotilla celebrating the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. After completing a bicentennial journey east to New York City last year, the vessel is now making the return trip to Buffalo as a floating museum and educational exhibit.
According to organizers, the Seneca Chief is expected to leave Baldwinsville at 8 a.m. Thursday and travel west through the canal system toward Weedsport, Port Byron, Montezuma, Clyde and Lyons.
Based on current travel estimates, the boat is expected to pass through the Weedsport canal and Seneca River corridor between 10:45 and 11 a.m. Thursday. Organizers cautioned that the timing remains approximate and could change depending on canal conditions and travel delays.
The replica travels at approximately 6 mph and has become a popular attraction during its statewide journey, drawing residents, boaters and history enthusiasts interested in the Erie Canal’s role in shaping New York’s economy and development.
The original Seneca Chief gained national significance in 1825 when Gov. DeWitt Clinton sailed aboard the vessel from Buffalo to New York Harbor during the canal’s grand opening celebration, culminating in the symbolic “Wedding of the Waters” ceremony connecting Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean.
Residents along the Seneca River and Erie Canal corridor are encouraged to watch for the vessel as it passes through the area. The boat is scheduled to arrive in Lyons around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, where a public welcome and Eastern White Pine dedication ceremony are planned. Additional public viewing opportunities will be available in Lyons on Friday afternoon.
The Buffalo Maritime Center has used the Seneca Chief project to educate the public about canal history, traditional boatbuilding techniques and the lasting impact of the Erie Canal on communities across Upstate New York.
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