THE 2025 BICENTENNIAL VOYAGE
COMMEMORATING THE ERIE CANAL | CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
The Erie Canal’s Bicentennial & the Voyage of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
On the morning of Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will embark on its Bicentennial Voyage, commemorating Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic 1825 journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor.
A Buffalo Maritime Center crew, comprised of staff and volunteers, will navigate the 33-day voyage, departing from Buffalo’s Commercial Slip - the western terminus of the Erie Canal - and traveling to Pier 26 in New York City.
Along the way, the boat will dock at 28 ports along the Erie Canal and Hudson River before reaching New York City for the official commemoration of the canal’s opening - 200 years after Governor Clinton’s inaugural trip.
This historic journey invites Buffalo and communities across New York State to honor the past while envisioning the future.
A Perspective on the History of the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal transformed the young United States, reshaping commerce, transportation, and daily life in the 19th century. Its unprecedented speed of travel enabled the rapid movement of goods, people, and ideas, fueling economic growth and innovation.
While the canal was celebrated as a symbol of progress for New York, that progress was not universal. Its success contributed to the displacement of the Haudenosaunee and led to lasting changes in New York State’s ecosystems, underscoring the complex and far-reaching impact of this historic waterway.
The Planting of the White Pines & the Gathering of the Waters
As the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief journeys through New York State, we will plant White Pine trees as a symbolic tribute to the Haudenosaunee - a commitment to a sustainable future - and celebrate the communities along the canal.
At each port, we will invite communities to contribute water from their section of the Erie Canal or the Hudson River to a barrel carried aboard the boat. Upon reaching New York City, we will use the gathered water to nourish the final tree, uniting the waters of New York State in a powerful gesture of connection and renewal.
The Gathering of the Waters embodies our values, honors our shared history, and offers hope for the future.
To explore the craftsmanship and community effort behind the vessel’s construction, visit the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief page.
Milestones of the Bicentennial Voyage
Docked at the Commercial Slip Canalside
44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Starting in May, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be open for public viewing on weekends as we complete the interior and install the exhibit, which will open fully by July for weekday and weekend visits.
Bicentennial Voyage Departure
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 10:00 AM | Commercial Slip at Canalside
44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief Bicentennial Voyage
A Journey Along the Erie Canal
Join Us on the Journey!
Follow Facebook and Instagram for BMC news, real-time updates, and behind-the-scenes moments. Starting September 24, 2025, we will share highlights from each Voyage stop! You will also be able to track the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief live on MarineTraffic.com or through the MarineTraffic Mobile App (click here to download!).
Support the 2025 Bicentennial Voyage
The Buffalo Maritime Center is actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships for the 2025 Bicentennial Voyage. This historic journey will honor the Erie Canal’s transformative impact on New York State and unite communities in celebrating our shared heritage. Your support can help ensure this extraordinary and educational event becomes a reality.
Click here to contribute, or contact Katie Osborn, Development Officer, at 716.881.0111 or via email at katie@buffalomaritimecenter.org.