The Erie canal runs from Albany, NY to Buffalo, NY. In the 1800's Lockport was one of the most important cities on the canal because it was where the locks that were necessary for travel from one end to the other were located. The original lock system consisted of a series of 5 locks in each direction (10 total) and would only allow boats up to 15' wide X 90' long. They were quite an engineering feat in 1825 when the canal opened. Today there are only 2 locks to do the same thing and they will take boats 45' wide x 328' long. 
Picture 2 shows the canal with a boat from yesterday and one from today. Note how narrow the old boat is. 
Picture 3 shows the original west bound locks, which today are just used as a spillway. Today's 2 locks replaced the 10 original locks in 1917.
Picture 3 shows the original west bound locks, which today are just used as a spillway. Today's 2 locks replaced the 10 original locks in 1917. 
