Fire, flood, politics and corruption: the trials and elation of the engineering marvel that let boats sail over a mountain and move the raw materials that helped build the Empire State. Using historical photos, interviews with historians, and footage of the locations today, the documentary tells the entire history of The Black River Canal. It was the life of the valley.

Following the construction of the Erie Canal, known as Clinton's Ditch, The Black River Canal was built, nicknamed the Little Ditch. NY State history. Rome, Boonville, Forestport, Lowville, Carthage, and Watertown. Historical documentary, includes the story of Delta Dam. Features the Boonville Black River Canal Museum.