Bookmark page for Mud Lock 5, part of Oswego Canal Onondaga Lake Park, Long Branch Park Syracuse NY, Oswego Canal Lock # 5 was constructed out of wood in 1828 to provide access from the Oswego Canal to the Seneca River.

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Oswego Canal Lock # 5 was constructed out of wood in 1828 to provide access from the Oswego Canal to the Seneca River. Commonly called Mud Lock due to its unstable, quicksand-like soil, it was rebuilt in stone in 1836.

According to local legend, the tavern at Mud Lock was infamous for brawls involving the canal boatsmen during the mid 1800s. By the turn of the century it had become more respectable and was a popular stop for pleasure boats carrying Syracusans to Long Branch Park and the Seneca resorts.

Modifications to accommodate larger boats were made in 1862 and 1887, and the lock was abandoned in 1918 when the Oswego Canal was closed to commercial traffic.

The current site was renovated during the 1930s as part of the WPA (Work Projects Administration) project which built Onondaga Lake Park. Today, it is the only remaining intact lock of the old Oswego Canal.

Frank Wise Hotel circa 1890.
Left to right are Jim Cronk of Liverpool, Billy Rose, a pensioner who had a shack at Mud Lock, Jess Kinney of Liverpool, Frank Wise, former lock tender with dog Jerry, Sachs Zuieger, Agnes Wise and Mrs. O. W. Oberlander in Dr. Oberlander's road cart.


Mud Lock Google satellite map image You can change the zoom, vertical and horizontal position on the map.