Erie Canal ~ Lockport Locks ~ Cave & Underground Boat Ride

The Lockport Hydraulic Company And The Construction of the North Tunnel
Erie Canal ~ Lockport, NY

In 1825, the Canal Commissioners of the State of New York advertised for bids to lease the surplus waters of the State Canal System. The Hydraulic Race Industrial Heritage Complex began in 1858.

Lockport, NY has a rich heritage, which includes the beginning of the industrial age in America. During the early 1850s, Birdsill Holly inventor, industrialist and engineer, designed and supervised the construction of a 1700-foot underground power tunnel in Lockport, NY, which provided water for mechanical power to three manufacturing companies employing close to 2000 people.

In April of 1825, the New York State Legislature enacted Chapter 275 to provide for leasing of the surplus waters from the Erie and Champlain Canals. The act authorized the Canal Commissioners to advertise for bids. In Lockport, the surplus Erie Canal waters were awarded to Richard Kennedy and Junius Hatch, (Kennedy/Hatch) for the sum of $200 per year in perpetuity.

In 1838, New York began enlarging Clinton's Ditch. It was completed in Lockport in 1858. Since the Erie Barge Canal was enlarged, there was an increased amount of water that needed to be by-passed around the Locks.

The Lockport Hydraulic Company was incorporated in October 21, 1856.

In 1858, the New York state legislature enacted “An Act in relation to the Lockport Hydraulic Company." It appears the company wanted assurances from the state regarding its investment into properties which lie within blue line.

Upon the death of Richard Kennedy, the water rights at Lockport, known as the Kennedy Hatch Lease, passed to Betsy L. Daniels on August 4, 1859.

Phase I – Holly Manufacturing Company
Click Here to Read More about Birdsill Holly

The Holly Manufacturing Company, incorporated in 1858.

The underground tunnel was the brainchild of Birdsill Holly, the chief engineer for the Lockport Hydraulic Company, and the Holly Manufacturing Company.

1859 the Lockport Hydraulic Company began blasting an underground tunnel on the north side of the Erie Canal in Lockport to the Holly Manufacturing Company. The tunnel entrance is adjacent to lock 67. Two stone arches still can be seen today. The construction was to carry the surplus waters of the Erie Canal.

Just East of the tunnel entrance are the Lockport Hydraulic Company control gates. Visitors can still see remnants of the Holly complex along the side of the hill.

Phase II – Richmond Manufacturing Company

1881 the tunnel was extended east to the Richmond Manufacturing Company. The stone gate house and Penstock are still visible.

Phase III – Lockport Pulp Company

1890 the tunnel was extended east, and enlarged.

1904 Holly Company sustains huge loss in fire.

The Holly Company is purchased by Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation in 1916.

Hydraulic Race Company was incorporated in October 30, 1907.

The tunnel was used to carry the waters of the Erie Barge Canal for waterpower until 1941.

Mill ruins are still on site.

Phase IV – Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride
and Lockport Haunted Cave

In 1974, the “Lockport Industrial District” including the Holly, Richmond & Pulp Mill Manufacturing sites, the Hydraulic Tunnel and the “Flight of Five” were placed on the National Register Of Historic Sites.

In 1975, Thomas Callahan organized the Lockport Hydraulic Race Company, Ltd. The non-profit company opened the tunnel for tours in 1975. Attendance for the summer-only attraction was 1200.

In 1976, the historic tour re-opened and in October the Lockport Haunted Cave tour was introduced. In 1977, the non-profit company receives a $250,000 CETA grant to open up the western portion of the tunnel and construct an underground boat ride. The tour closed in 1980.

In 1996, the tunnel was purchased by the Hydraulic Race Company and re-opened for historic tours including the famous underground boat ride.