State v. Case

The Erie Canal connecting the Hudson River at Albany with Lake Erie at Buffalo was completed in 1825.1 Along its 363-mile length was a path on one bank or berm upon which teams of mules and horses trod pulling and towing scows, boats, bullheads and packets. A controversy exists as to the ownership and right to use approximately one mile of this former towpath. The canal lands from Dewitt, near Syracuse, to Rome were recently set aside for and designated as public park and recreation areas under the jurisdiction of the State Office of Parks and Recreation and the old towpath now is used by…