What does fifteen miles on the Erie Canal mean?

Fifteen miles was the common distance a mule or horse would work before resting. This is “a falsehood made up to explain a falsehood,” says Dan Ward, former curator at The Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse NY.

What is the meaning of the Erie Canal song?

Around 1905 mule powered barge traffic had converted to steam power and diesel power was about to take over. The Erie Canal Song was written to commemorate the history of nearly 100 years of life along the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal Song is the most recognised of all the Erie Canal folksongs.

Who wrote the Erie Canal song?

Thomas S. AllenLow Bridge, Everybody Down (or Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal) / LyricistThomas S. Allen, an early figure in Tin Pan Alley, was an American vaudeville composer, manager, and violinist. He was born in Natick, Massachusetts, and died in Boston. Wikipedia

Who sang the Erie Canal song?

Seven YearsLow Bridge, Everybody Down (or Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal) / Artist

What does low bridge everybody down refer to?

The music cover published in 1913 depicts a boy on a mule getting down to pass under a bridge, but the reference to “low bridge” in the song refers to travelers who would typically ride on top of the boats. The low bridges would require them to get down out of the way to allow safe passage under a bridge.

How old is the Erie Canal song?

Original Lyrics for “The Erie Canal Song” As originally copyrighted in 1912 and 1913, “Low Bridge! – Everybody Down” has five verses and five choruses! If she hears you sing about her and the Erie Canal.

Why were mules used on the Erie Canal?

Mules were used to pull these boats because they did not scare easily and would not drink contaminated water. They traveled about 50 to 60 miles a day. They carried immigrants, supplies, manufactured goods such as guns and tools westward; then they returned eastward with potatoes, flour, apples, lumber and furs.

How much did it cost to travel on the Erie Canal as a passenger in 1836?

Schenectady and Utica is 80 Miles, the passage is $3.50, [equivalent to approximately $69.00 in today’s money] which includes board. There are other Boats called Line Boats that carry at a cheaper rate, being found for 2/3 of the price mentioned.

Were mules or horses faster at pulling barges?

Even stagecoaches were pulled by large mules, as they were faster than horses in covering distance.