For many centuries, Native American dugout canoes were the only watercraft on Lake Erie. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, French voyageurs paddled on fur-trading trips between Quebec and the continent’s interior, and in 1699 LaSalle sailed past this spot in the Griffon, the first such ship to sail on the lake. During the French and Indian War, British and French warships battled for control of the Niagara River and water access inland. Even in winter, the lake served as a roadway, with goods transported across the ice by dogsled and other means. As farming and mining in the west grew, cargo ships carried coal and grain to eastern ports. In the late 1800s, lavish steamers ferried tourists between lakefront cities and resorts, and in the early 1900s fuel-powered commercial fishing tugs netted lake fish for market. Lake freighters grew larger through the 20th century, and today ocean-going vessels carry products from Great Lakes ports to destinations around the world, while recreational fishing charters, yachts, and other pleasure craft dominate the waterway and sunset watching is a popular pastime. Along this shore, early settlers used the beach as a roadway to the west, hotels and taverns served travelers, Hamburg was incorporated in 1812, offshore naval raiding parties and arms smugglers were active during the War of 1812, a group left Hamburg across the ice in 1837 intending to invade Canada before surrendering in mid-lake, and later parks, waterworks, and regular boat service connected the lakeshore to recreation and tourism.