While conducting streetlight mapping in Cohoes for a subcontractor job, Steven Talbot embarked on a quest to uncover remnants of the historic Erie Canal. Despite finding some informational signs and Canal Square Park, Talbot couldn’t piece together a clear understanding of how the canals operated in Cohoes. Frustrated with his internet search results, he took matters into his own hands and decided to create his own map.
Fast forward three years, and after countless hours of research and digital mapping, Talbot has successfully crafted the first comprehensive historic map of the Erie Canal. As a significant part of New York’s history and identity since its opening in 1825, the Erie Canal played a crucial role in shaping the state. Talbot’s map showcases the intricate details and impact of this iconic landmark.
Equipped with a background in architecture from Carnegie Mellon University and expertise in computer mapping and geographic information systems, Talbot’s journey into the world of mapping software coincided perfectly with his fascination for the Erie Canal.
With support from the Canal Society of New York, the New York State Canal Corporation, and the New York State Archives, Talbot formed a strong network of resources, including access to maps, historians, and documents. Craig Williams, president of the Canal Society, believes that acknowledging the canal’s history will inspire people to appreciate the entire landscape of upstate New York, which possesses a rich historical tapestry going back thousands of years.
Talbot explains that today, a project like the Erie Canal would undergo careful planning before construction begins. However, in the 1800s, surveyors had to determine the canal’s path right from the field due to technological limitations. To reconstruct the canal’s route accurately, Talbot relied on three maps drafted after the canal’s opening: Holmes Hutchinson’s maps from 1832, George Schillner’s maps from 1896, and the blue line maps from the early 20th century.
By digitally scanning these maps, Talbot painstakingly matched landmarks and geographic features with their modern counterparts. While the Hutchinson maps proved to be inaccurate and the Schillner maps had their limitations, the blue line maps proved to be a reliable mathematical fit. Talbot has extensively plotted out the eastern and central divisions of the canal and is currently working on completing the western division. This proves to be more challenging due to the lack of geographic clues in the flat terrain and the disappearance of landmarks due to urban development.
Williams emphasizes that the Erie Canal has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout its generations, a fact that often goes unnoticed. However, Talbot’s use of technology, coupled with his unique software and background, sets him up for success where previous attempts to map the Erie Canal fell short. Additionally, a fellowship from the New York State Archives Partnership Trust provided crucial funding for necessary technical upgrades to handle the large file sizes of the scanned maps.
Talbot estimates that if he were to line up all the blue line maps, they would stretch for half a mile. With approximately 980 drawings and an additional 1000 Hutchinson drawings and supplemental information, Talbot faces the challenge of managing vast amounts of data. Despite this, he aims to complete a map set of the original and enlarged Erie Canals by 2025 to commemorate its bicentennial.
In the meantime, the Champlain Canal, which began construction simultaneously with the Erie Canal, is celebrating its bicentennial in Albany this October. Talbot plans to attend the weekend event organized by the Canal Society.
Beyond completing the western division, Talbot envisions integrating the canal’s vibrant history into his map. This includes incorporating postcards, field books, events, and noteworthy figures he’s encountered during his research. He aspires for his map to serve as a dynamic educational resource for everyone.
Talbot believes that the history of the Erie Canal is deeply entrenched in the state’s history and identity. His map not only organizes this information but also allows individuals to connect with their surroundings and gain a deeper understanding of what once existed in their present-day locations.
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