In 1817, the manual labor began across New York State to build the Erie Canal, and now more than 200 years later, that technology is still being well used.

The Erie Canal is celebrating its bicentennial period, from the time construction began, to when it was completed in 1825. 

As it opens for another navigation season, Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises anticipates visitors from all over the world.

"You get people coming in from Europe singing ‘Low bridge, everybody down’ and you wonder how they hell do they learn that song," said Mike Murphy, owner of Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises.

But many people right here in Western New York don’t understand the significance of this waterway, he said.

"The canal has a lot of purposes and that's what people are missing,” Murphy said. “One is flood control and right now, this year with the high water and all the rain, it's serving an important service to the people of the state of New York.”

The canal also serves as a recreational destination. Lockport Locks offers rides on three different vessels for individuals, groups or even parties.

Those who want to get to know the canal better can ride along the towpath on bicycles.

"Recreational, I mean we see more bicycles out here now with the paths," said Murphy.

Over the years, the operators of the canal have changed, from New York State Department of Transportation to the Thruway Authority and now to the Power Authority.

But even with those changes, and the many advances in technology over the years, the canal remains the same.

"The equipment that's around the locks and lift bridges, a lot of that equipment is 100 years old and it still works," said Murphy. "The canal will outlive us, it just keeps on going."