In 1819, the first boat passed through the Erie canal. The trial trip and excursion was made by the Chief Engineer of Rome, from Utica to Rome and returned the next day. Governor DeWitt Clinton and state officials with ladies and gentlemen about seventy persons on board, composed the party. The boat was named in compliment to Benjamin Wright, then chief engineer of the Erie canal [Image: Benjamin Wright] more Wedding of the Waters: The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation, by Peter L. Bernstein. - book suggestion.