Opened in 1828, it is 23.7 miles (38.1 km) in length, and connects the Erie Canal at Three Rivers (near Liverpool) to Lake Ontario at Oswego.

Three locks, with a total lift of 45.6 feet (13.9 m) take boats over what had been a steep set of rapids at the city of Oswego.

This is the only route from the Atlantic/Hudson River system to Lake Ontario fully within the United States.

[3][4][5] Overall sidewall height will vary by lock, ranging between 28 and 61 feet (8.5 and 18.6 m) depending on the lift and navigable stages.

The lock was converted to electrical culvert valves consistent with others on the New York State Canal System in 1968.