Launching the Erie Canal Boat, Seneca Chief

The replica Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief, built in the Longshed at Canalside over the course of four years, is on its way to the next leg of its journey. On Tuesday, May 7, around 11 a.m., crowds of onlookers gathered to watch the riverboat exit the building, as it was towed by a flatbed semi-trailer truck. As the tractor-trailer honked its horn, signaling that the departure of the 73-foot-long, 44-ton ship was officially underway, the crowd cheered.

The ship was transported to the port of Buffalo, for launching. From there, it will return to Canalside (Commercial Slip), where it will undergo additional construction throughout the summer.

The Buffalo Maritime Center is to be congratulated for achieving this wonderful feat. From the construction of the impressive shed, to the construction of the historic replica, to the launching of the riverboat – on time and with great fanfare – this Herculean project was a pleasure to witness.

The Seneca Chief will eventually serve as a floating classroom at the Commercial Slip at Canalside, while The Longshed is transformed into a new visitors center ahead of the Erie Canal Bicentennial commemoration in 2025.

As for its highly anticipated maiden voyage…?

“This community, volunteer-led boat building project will conclude in 2025 as it takes center stage during the Erie Canal Bicentennial, embarking on a journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor to commemorate the governor’s maiden voyage DeWitt Clinton 200 years ago. Departing on September 24, 2025 and making stops at 28 sites along the way, the ship will arrive in New York on October 26, 2025, coinciding with the official anniversary of the canal’s opening. – Buffalo Maritime Center