Massena

### **Category: Massena, New York** #### **Overview** **Massena, New York**, is a key industrial and maritime town located along the **St. Lawrence River**, near the **U.S.-Canada border**. It plays a crucial role in **Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping**, as it is home to the **Eisenhower Lock**, one of the most important locks in the **St. Lawrence Seaway System**. Massena is also known for its **hydroelectric power production, fishing, and recreational boating**. #### **Geography & Location** - **Situated in northern New York** in **St. Lawrence County**. - Lies on the **St. Lawrence River**, opposite **Cornwall, Ontario**. - Located near **Eisenhower Lock and Snell Lock**, two of the **15 locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway**. - Close to the **Akwesasne Mohawk Territory**, an important Indigenous community along the St. Lawrence. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - Massena became a major industrial and shipping hub after the opening of the **St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959**. - The **Eisenhower Lock**, one of the most crucial locks in the seaway, allows ocean-going ships ("salties") and Great Lakes freighters ("lakers") to bypass the **Long Sault Rapids** and continue into the **Great Lakes system**. - The **hydroelectric power dams** in Massena helped shape the region's economic growth, supplying power to industries and cities throughout the Northeast. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** - The **St. Lawrence River near Massena** has seen multiple shipwrecks due to **rapids, early navigation hazards, and ice damage**. - Some submerged sites in the area include: - **Lost villages and structures** flooded during the **Seaway expansion**. - **Historic wreckage** from early fur trade and military conflicts. - Due to **strong currents and shipping traffic**, diving in the Massena section of the St. Lawrence requires caution. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Eisenhower Lock Visitor Center** – Watch massive freighters pass through one of the busiest locks on the **St. Lawrence Seaway**. - **Robert Moses State Park** – Offers **hiking, camping, and waterfront views** along the river. - **St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watching** – Freighters from around the world pass through Massena daily. - **Fishing & Boating** – The St. Lawrence River near Massena is known for **walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing**. - **Akwesasne Cultural Attractions** – Learn about the **Mohawk Nation** at local cultural centers and events. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Strong currents and rapids** in certain areas make navigation challenging for smaller boats. - **Winter conditions** affect shipping, as the **Seaway closes annually from late December to late March**. - **Industrial impact** from hydroelectric dams and historical pollution has required **ongoing environmental management**. ### **Why It Matters** Massena is **one of the most critical locations in the St. Lawrence Seaway**, allowing for the smooth passage of **ocean-going and Great Lakes freighters** into North America’s heartland. Its **shipping, hydroelectric power, and Indigenous history** make it a key point of interest for **maritime history, trade, and environmental conservation**.