Claus Mansion

Historical marker location:

Amsterdam, New York

( Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (New York State Route 5) and Guy Park Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West Main Street.)

Marker installed: 1932

200 Ft South.

The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.