Utica Canal Terminal Harbor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Utica Canal Terminal Harbor |
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Harbor in 2015 looking north
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 Utica Canal Terminal Harbor
Location in New York
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| Location | Oneida County, New York |
| Coordinates | 43°06′35″N 75°13′25″W / 43.10972°N 75.22361°W |
| Primary outflows | Mohawk River, Erie Canal |
| Surface elevation | 394 feet (120 m) |
| Settlements | Utica |
The Utica Canal Terminal Harbor, often called Utica Harbor, is a small harbor built by people in Utica, which is in Oneida County, New York. This harbor used to connect to the Mohawk River and the famous Erie Canal. It was linked by something called the Utica Harbor Lock. Today, this lock is closed for boats. It is now used to help control floods.
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What is Utica Harbor?
Utica Harbor is a special place in Utica, New York. It was built a long time ago to help boats move goods. A harbor is a safe place where boats can dock. This one was very important for trade in the past.
How was it connected to the Erie Canal?
The harbor was a key part of the Erie Canal system. The Erie Canal was a huge waterway built across New York State. It allowed boats to travel from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Utica Harbor helped connect the city of Utica to this important canal.
The Utica Harbor Lock
To connect the harbor to the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal, there was a special gate called the Utica Harbor Lock. Locks are like water elevators for boats. They help boats move between different water levels.
Today, the Utica Harbor Lock is not used for boats anymore. Instead, it helps protect the area from floods. This means it can control how much water flows in and out of the harbor.
Utica's Waterway History
Utica has always been important because of its location near waterways. The Mohawk River flows through the area. When the Erie Canal was built, Utica became an even more important city.
Why was the Erie Canal important?
The Erie Canal changed how people and goods moved across New York. Before the canal, it was hard to transport things. The canal made it much easier and faster. It helped cities like Utica grow and become busy centers for trade.
How did the harbor help Utica?
The Utica Harbor allowed boats from the Erie Canal to easily reach the city. This meant that goods could be loaded and unloaded right in Utica. It helped businesses in the city thrive.
Utica Harbor Today
Even though the harbor is not used for shipping anymore, it remains a part of Utica's history. It reminds us of a time when canals were the main way to travel and trade. Its current role in flood control is also very important for the community.
