Frequent flooding of Schoharie Creek at the original Erie Canal crossing often backed up traffic for miles and reduced profits. When the canal was enlarged, an aqueduct over the creek was designed in part by renowned engineer John B. Jervis and built by contractor Otis Eddy between 1839 and 1841. Regarded at the time as one of the canal’s most consequential improvements, the aqueduct operated from 1845 to 1916. Masonry arches spanning an average of 39 feet supported the tow path, while stone piers held a timber trough that carried Erie Canal water over the creek in a 40-foot-wide and 7-foot-deep boat channel. After service ended in 1916 and the trough was removed, structural weaknesses caused one of the 14 arches to collapse, and the Army Corps of Engineers removed four more to prevent damaging spring ice buildup. Additional arches collapsed in 1977, and efforts to stabilize the remains held until another arch collapsed in 1998. The aqueduct’s history and skilled stonework made it a local treasure, but its instability put this important piece of national heritage at risk. In 2023, New York State Parks placed an anchor, or thrust block, at the end of the easternmost pier to prevent shifting and provide outward counter pressure through the remaining structure, while regrouted masonry and foundation protections were added to limit further damage.
