Teaching American History through the Arts
The Songs

Erie Canal

About the Song

  • Mules walked on a towpath on the right side of the Erie Canal, pulling heavy freight barges that floated on the canal.
  • Horses pulled passenger boats.
  • This song (among others) was sung by mule drivers to pass the time and stay awake.
  • "Low bridge" was shouted when the barge reached a town that had a walkway over the canal.