A historically accurate and fully loaded barge was discovered floating in a disused branch of the Erie Canal when three cyclists noticed the vessel run up against the side of the canal. Carrying several tons of coal, as well as barrels of metal nails, sacks of cloth, and barrels of salted fish, the barge seems to be an accurate reproduction of a turn of the century vessel. Despite signs that the vessel has been lived in (food and water, along with bedding was discovered in a forward cabin), there is no indication as to how the barge came to be on that section of the canal, which was shut down in the early 80’s. An investigation by local police is ongoing.
This could be a tourist oriented publicity stunt staged by the village Museum or the local Society for the Renewal of the Erie Canal in order to increase tourist interest in the Canal’s history.