The following are terms that describe the Erie Canal, Lockport, and Lockport's industries. Some are proper terms but most are slang words used on the Canal.

Barge - A large flat bottomed boat

Canawler - Someone who worked on the canal

Cuddy - Sleeping area on a canal boat

Flying weight - Empty boat

Heelpath - A path along the North side of the canal

Hoggee - Mule team driver

Hydraulic Race - Man made channel or tunnel that carried water used by mills for power

Lock - A chamber with doors on each end. Used to raise and lower boats

Lock-Keeper - Man who operated the locks. Was paid $25 per month

Millstone - A large circular wheel used to grind material such as wood or grain

Muleskinner - A mule driver

Packet boat - A passenger boat on the canal

Penstock - Large steel pipe which carries water from a hydraulic race to a factory.

Tailrace - A channel or tunnel which returns used water to the canal

Towpath - Path on the south side of the canal, where the mules pulled the boats

Waterwheel - A large wooden wheel that was turned by water exiting a penstock. Generated mechanical power for use in factories