Artifact NY A Few Important Words Written in Stone: Erie Canal Marble Capstone from the Lockport Flight.

The article focuses on the significance of two inscribed capstones placed by the New York State Canal Commissioners at the Lockport flight of locks to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. The capstones, crafted by stone cutter Thomas Morgan, reflect the pride of the commissioners in the canal as a symbol of democratic governance and public prosperity, emphasizing the role of "Republican Freemen" in its construction. The inscriptions highlight the canal's engineering achievements and the challenges faced during its construction, particularly at Lockport, which was a burgeoning settlement at the time. The capstones serve as a historical testament to the canal's impact on the region and its representation of the capabilities of a republican government in facilitating internal improvements. [Extracted from the article]