Genesee, New York

### **Category: Genesee, New York (Genesee River & Maritime History)** #### **Overview** The **Genesee River**, located in **Western New York**, is a historically significant waterway that flows **northward into Lake Ontario at Rochester, NY**. The river has been a key route for **shipping, trade, and industry**, especially during the **19th and early 20th centuries**, when it supported **Great Lakes commerce and the Erie Canal system**. Today, the Genesee River remains important for **boating, fishing, and waterfront tourism**. #### **Geography & Location** - Originates in **Pennsylvania**, flowing **north through New York** before emptying into **Lake Ontario at Rochester**. - Major towns and cities along the river include **Rochester, Geneseo, and Mount Morris**. - Forms **Rochester’s Port of Charlotte**, a key **Great Lakes shipping point**. - Connected to the **Erie Canal**, providing access to the **Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Indigenous & Early European Trade**: - The river was originally used by **Indigenous peoples** for transportation and fishing. - In the **late 1700s**, it became a route for **fur traders and early settlers**. - **19th-Century Shipping Boom**: - The **Erie Canal (1825)** connected the Genesee River to the **Great Lakes and New York City**, making it a major route for **commerce and industry**. - The river was used to transport **flour, timber, coal, and iron** to ports on **Lake Ontario and beyond**. - **Decline of Commercial Shipping**: - By the **mid-20th century**, improvements in **railroads and highways** reduced the need for river-based shipping. - Today, the river is mainly used for **recreation, tourism, and environmental conservation**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Several **historic shipwrecks** are located at the **mouth of the Genesee River**, where it meets Lake Ontario. Notable wrecks include: - **The Homer Warren (1919)** – A wooden freighter that foundered near the river’s entrance. - **The St. Peter (1873-1898)** – A schooner that sank in a storm off Rochester’s coast. - **The Roberval (1916)** – A **Canadian steamship** that was lost in rough weather. - **Sunken Barges & Canal Vessels** – Various remnants of **19th-century shipping operations** still lie along the riverbed. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Genesee River Gorge** – A stunning **natural canyon**, featuring **waterfalls and hiking trails**. - **High Falls (Rochester)** – A **96-foot waterfall** in downtown Rochester, once a major **power source for flour mills**. - **Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse (1822)** – One of the oldest lighthouses on Lake Ontario, guiding ships into the river’s mouth. - **Port of Rochester Marina** – A major **boating and fishing hub**, with lake access. - **Letchworth State Park** – Often called the **"Grand Canyon of the East,"** this park features **dramatic waterfalls and river scenery**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Sediment Build-Up & Dredging**: The river requires **regular dredging** to keep the port navigable. - **Flooding Risks**: Heavy rain can cause **flash flooding**, especially near the Genesee Gorge. - **Strong Currents**: The river’s flow can be **dangerous for small boats**, particularly near **High Falls and Lake Ontario**. ### **Why It Matters** The **Genesee River** has played a crucial role in **New York’s maritime and industrial history**, serving as a key **trade route for Great Lakes shipping, Erie Canal commerce, and early American settlement**. Today, it remains an important **natural and recreational waterway**, offering **historic sites, shipwreck diving, and scenic landscapes** for visitors and researchers alike.