Navigating Unique Challenges: The Lois McClure Reaches Her Final Home
Last January, C&S shared the story of the Lois McClure—the 1862‑style canal schooner replica—being lifted from the water and placed into dry dock as the first stage of her journey to a permanent home. Now, we’re proud to report that this historic vessel has completed her final move, arriving safely at Canal Heritage Park in Port Byron, NY.
This milestone marks the culmination of years of planning, coordination, and hands‑on work across multiple C&S disciplines, along with support from specialized industry partners.
Preparing the Vessel
Following the 2024 dry‑dock lift in Montezuma, NY, C&S teams advanced into the final phase: transporting the McClure to Canal Heritage Park. With site preparation already completed—including new concrete foundations designed to support and display the vessel—crews began staging the move.
To safely lift and haul the 88-foot wooden schooner, C&S Technical Resources rented a highly specialized 14‑axle hydraulic trailer from Virginia, capable of supporting the vessel’s size and weight. The trailer was precisely positioned and backed beneath the McClure. Using its hydraulic controls, the trailer engaged the temporary support beams under the vessel and lifted her free from the stands that had held her since the initial haul-out.
A Carefully Engineered Transport Route
The move required meticulous planning, including routing the vessel via the New York State Thruway. While uncommon for a historic boat, Thruway access was necessary due to limited entry points at Canal Heritage Park and the need to avoid navigating the truck through narrow historic lock chambers.
Canal Heritage Park sits immediately adjacent to the Thruway and was once part of the original New York State Canal System—making the final approach both practical and symbolic.
Working alongside Clark Rigging and Murzak Heavy Haul Trucking, the McClure traveled safely from Montezuma to Port Byron without issue.
Placing the McClure
Upon arrival at the park, the trailer was carefully backed between the newly constructed concrete foundations designed to cradle the vessel long-term. Permanent steel support beams were positioned on the hydraulic trailer, then lifted and secured to the underside of the McClure. Once the permanent structure was fully engaged, crews removed the temporary haul beams and slowly lowered the vessel onto the anchor bolts embedded in the foundations.
With the trailer removed and all structural connections finalized, the Lois McClure was officially set in place—marking her arrival at her final home.
Looking Ahead
With the move complete, the temporary haul road will be removed and restoration of the park grounds will begin. Soon, visitors to Canal Heritage Park will be able to view the Lois McClure as a lasting tribute to New York’s canal history and the collaborative effort required to preserve it.
This project not only honors the legacy of the Erie Canal but also highlights the expertise and teamwork across C&S groups, from engineering and technical resources to construction support and project coordination.
