PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The Erie Canal song, famously known for its lyrics about a mule named Sal and 15 miles on the canal, has a rich history that many may not know. News10NBC’s Erin Mahon explored the song’s background and uncovered some interesting facts.
Emily Morry, a local historical researcher, said, “Well, it is largely believed that the song was written between 1905 and 1912 by a Massachusetts-based musician and songwriter named Thomas S. Allen.”
Allen, she says, copyrighted the lyrics in 1912, but in 1926, a publishing company sued him, claiming the song was already in the public domain.
Morry debunked some of the song’s lyrics, explaining that the 15-mile reference was inaccurate. “And the rationalization for 15 miles is that at that time that was the understanding you know, that was how long a mule could walk before resting. Not accurate,” Morry said. She added that a mule could walk up to 20 miles a day but needed to stop every six hours to rest.
The song, which became popular with folk singers and children, nostalgically reflects an earlier era of Erie Canal history. Morry noted that by the time the song was written, steam engines had largely replaced mules for towing barges.
Morry also highlighted the canal’s significant impact on the region’s economy and population, as mules towed barges carrying heavy loads of lumber, coal, and alcohol amongst other things. She says the canal offered a form of migration not previously present, and that led to a more diverse population of people.
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