SCHENECTADY, NY (June 3, 2026) – Discover Schenectady today announced that the historic Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will return to Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor this Saturday, June 6 as part of its statewide Back to Buffalo Tour.
The return visit gives residents and visitors a second chance to step aboard the celebrated replica vessel and experience a unique piece of New York history following its first appearance in Schenectady in October during last year’s Erie Canal Bicentennial celebration.
The Seneca Chief is scheduled to arrive at Mohawk Harbor at 3:45 p.m., followed by a brief welcome ceremony at 4:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with guided boat tours available from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Media are invited to attend for photos, video opportunities and interviews.
“The return of the Seneca Chief gives our residents and visitors another opportunity to connect with the extraordinary history that helped shape Schenectady County and New York State,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The Erie Canal transformed communities across our region, and seeing this remarkable vessel at Mohawk Harbor is a powerful reminder of the innovation, perseverance and vision that continue to define New York 200 years later.”
Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the Seneca Chief is a full-scale replica of the canal boat used by Governor DeWitt Clinton during the Erie Canal’s inaugural voyage in 1825. After serving as the centerpiece of last year’s bicentennial commemoration, the vessel is now embarking on the Back to Buffalo Tour, a 22-day educational journey that will visit communities across the Erie Canal corridor before returning to Buffalo later this month.
The Erie Canal officially opened in 1825, spanning 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo and connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The waterway revolutionized transportation and commerce, dramatically reducing travel times and shipping costs while helping establish New York as the nation’s leading center of trade and industry.
For Schenectady County, the canal played a critical role in economic growth and industrial development. Stretching more than 20 miles through the county, the canal helped fuel commerce, manufacturing and population growth, cementing Schenectady County’s place in New York’s canal history.
For more information about the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief and the Back to Buffalo Tour, visit the Buffalo Maritime Center website here.
About Discover Schenectady: Discover Schenectady is a non-profit organization responsible for promoting travel, tourism, conference and convention assets and opportunities throughout Schenectady County. Discover Schenectady inspires visitors to experience and enjoy all that Schenectady County has to offer, from its vibrant communities with dining, entertainment and shopping to its gorgeous waterfront and outdoor activities. For more ways to Discover Schenectady County all year long, visit www.discoverschenectady.com