Meeting of the Waters of the Hudson and the Erie

S. Woodworth

This song was written for and performed at the canal dedication ceremony in 1825. The lyrics were written by S. Woodworth, but the tune was derived from a much earlier Irish folk song called “Old Head of Dennis”, written in 1807. The lyrics of this song are very inspiring and uplifting. The last verse or stanza sums it up well. “All hail! To a project so vast and sublime! A bond that can never be severed by time. Now unite us still closer–all jealousies cease, and our hearts, like our waters, are mingled in peace.” This piece shows how much the project meant to Americans back then. The Erie Canal not only united Americans physically, but emotionally as well. Below is a pdf link to the sheet music and lyrics.

https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/collection-pdfs/levy-062-034.pdf