Cohoes began its rise to industrial prominence as a canal town. The Erie and Champlain Canals passed through Cohoes in the 19th and up to the early 20th century. This network of waterways, including both transportation and power canals, helped make Cohoes a leader in the Industrial Revolution. This tour will feature old canal towpaths, limestone locks built by hand, and other historic canal features. On the tour, you will learn the history of this 19th century technological achievement, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, and find out the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time. At stops along the canal route, you will hear stories of life in a lively canal town, learn about some of the people instrumental in envisioning and building the canal, and discover how transportation and power canals, and the waterpower generated from the Cohoes Falls, led to the growth of the Harmony Mills and other industries in Cohoes. The tour will begin at the Cohoes Visitor Center.