Lock 18 of Enlarged Erie Canal

Lock 18 is a stone water control structure built as part of the Enlarged Erie Canal in Cohoes, New York. It stretches approximately 150 feet (46 meters) long and uses individual stone blocks arranged in a layered pattern to manage water levels and boat passage.

The lock was built between 1837 and 1842 as part of a wider canal expansion project meant to keep boat traffic competitive with the growing railroad. This improvement project focused on making water transport faster and more reliable for goods moving through the region.

The structure shows how workers in the 1800s carefully placed stones and managed water flow for boats. You can see the craftsmanship in how the blocks fit together, reflecting the labor and skill that went into building early American waterways.

You can reach the lock by walking along a public trail that follows the old towpath, with parking available near the structure. Visit during daylight hours to see the stonework clearly, and bring comfortable walking shoes since the terrain can be uneven in places.

The original stonework from the 1830s was built without mortar, with blocks fitted tightly together to hold without cement. Despite nearly two centuries of water flow and weather, the structure remains stable, testament to the skill of stone workers from that era.