Buffalo, New York – The Seneca Chief, a replica 19th-century packet boat, navigated the Black Rock Lock on September 24, 2025, as part of its journey across New York State.

The voyage commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, highlighting the historic waterway’s role in connecting Lake Erie and the Great Lakes through the lock system.

The Black Rock Lock provided a key passage for the Seneca Chief, allowing the replica vessel to continue its celebration of the canal’s bicentennial and its importance to regional trade and transportation.

This commemorative journey underscores the Erie Canal’s enduring legacy and the cultural significance of 19th-century packet boats in New York’s history.

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