Erie Canal Connections

This is an on-going history project that is encouraging people to share extremely rare photos, letters, diary snippets, biographies and old canal tales passed down from generation to generation. Descendants of persons who helped build, worked nearby, or lived along the canal, are cordially invited to contribute copies of their beloved Erie Canal archives; before its too late!

Visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy our contributors' lifelines to the Erie Canal and its infamous towpath.

Towpath Soldiers from Rochester, NY

The data available on this website represents only a very small portion of the total number of enlistments that occured along the towpath. This data was extracted from just Section #1 of Spool #20, of NARA Microfilms Series 233 (Spools #20,21,22); which contains all enlistments between 1835 and 1849. Be aware that some registers contain what can be considered less than desirable data.

It is entirely up to you to determine whether or not any of these soldiers are actually your ancestor.

The Buffalo Barracks

"The first regiment to occupy the barracks was the 2nd Artillery, commanded by Col. James Banked, with the entire regiment stationed in Buffalo for a time. It was later replaced by Lt. Col. Crane's 4th Artillery and later still by Col. Bennett Riley's 2nd Infantry. The busy post quickly became a center of social life for Buffalonians who thrilled at the sight of military parades and enjoyed the fine military band."   Mark Lozo - Interpreter, Ansley Wilcox House

Search over 1,600 pre-Civil War Enlistment Registers, online, for free.

Federal Troops at Fort Niagara

Prior to the Civil War, many U.S. Army enlistments and discharges took place at Fort Niagara. New inductees lived in transient barracks while awaiting official orders, and then were transported via packet boats on the Erie Canal for further training and service at other forts and camps. Some eventually fought in the Indian Wars in Florida and also later in the Mexican War south of the border.

Here you will find the enlistmant records of 190 men who started and/or finished their military obligations at this very historic fort.

International SWL Registry

ATTENTION: Shortwave Radio Listeners Worldwide-

This is the website where you can easily obtain an SWLR Designator and also receive an Official Certificate file to printout; as well as be included in the Online Directory. You can use your unique designator on your signal reports and QSL cards.

Submit your application today and be recognized for your interest in this great hobby.

USS Jamestown AGTR-3

ATTENTION: Shortwave Radio Listeners Worldwide-

This is the website where you can easily obtain an SWLR Designator and also receive an Official Certificate file to printout; as well as be included in the Online Directory. You can use your unique designator on your signal reports and QSL cards.

Submit your application today and be recognized for your interest in this great hobby.