19TH CENTURY U.S. CANALS

New York

 

 

Main and Hamburg Canal

Also see Buffalo Hydraulics

 

MAPS

Buffalo, Vol. 1 – 1889

Views of the canal are on Images 2, 11 and 12.


GENERAL

An Historical Review of Waterways and Canal Construction in New York State, Volume 12  - 1908
A discussion of steps which led up to the transfer of ownership from the state to the city of Buffalo, and subsequent closing of the canal is on page 223.

 

Annual Report, Volume 1 – 1906
A history of the development of canals and slips in Buffalo, including the Hamburg, begins on page 588.

 

Buffalo's Forgotten Basin

Includes a reference to the canal.


Buffalo's own "Historic Canal System"
Includes a brief history and description of the canal.

 

Buffalo's Waterfront
An 1853 bird's eye engraving, showing the canal, is compared to a 1923 aerial photo of Buffalo's harbor, on page 10.

 

Digital Public Library of America
Links to historial maps.

 

Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York, Volume 6 – 1839
A report in relation to Buffalo's canal basin, including reference to the Hamburg Canal, begins on page 67.

 

Hamburg Canal as seen from near Main Street, Buffalo, New York, c. 1890s

A historical photo of the canal.


Hamburg Canal Images
Includes a map and newspaper article about the canal.

 

Historic Resources Of The Hydraulics/Larkin Neighborhood
Includes a brief history of the canal.

 

History of the Canal System of the State of New York – 1906
A history of slips and other adjuncts of the Erie Canal, including the Hamburg, begins on page 588.

 

History of the Hydraulics
Includes a brief description of the canal and industries it supported.

 

New York State Historic Newspapers
A set of articles making reference to the canal.


New York State Historic Newspapers

 

Old Views of Buffalo Waterfront
Includes an illustration of one of the grain elevators along the canal.

 

Proceedings of the Canal Board – 1877
A communication regarding sewage abatement issues in the canal begins on page 145.

 

Publications of the Buffalo Historical Society, Volume 13 – 1909
A brief history of the canal begins on page 254.

 

Torn-Down Tuesday: The fetid, festering Hamburg Canal
Includes a brief history, map and historical photo.

 

Rev. June, 2025