By Bill Burk
The Chautauqua Ridge serves as a natural divider between Lake Erie and Lake Chautauqua. While Lake Erie is connected to extensive inland water routes that lead deep into North America and out to the Atlantic Ocean, Chautauqua Lake flows southward, draining into the Allegheny River, which then joins the Ohio River and ultimately reaches the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. The portage between these two water systems was critical for early travelers and traders, especially given the elevation difference—the ridge on this route rises about 1,500 feet above sea level, while Lake Erie sits roughly 700 feet above sea level.
The Chautauqua Portage, a route extending from Mayville on Chautauqua Lake to Barcelona on Lake Erie, was well-traveled by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. This nine-mile stretch of land, known as the Old Portage Road, bridged the gap between the lakes and provided a crucial link in trade and transportation for the region’s indigenous peoples, including the Seneca, who were part of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Seneca used the trail to move goods like furs, tools, and foodstuffs between their villages and neighboring tribes. Their deep understanding of the landscape and waterways meant that this portage was integral to their trading network, connecting the watersheds of the Great Lakes with those of the Ohio River and beyond.
Étienne Brûlé became the first European to document the use of the trail in 1615, but it wasn’t until 1749 that the route took on significant European interest. That year, a French expedition led by Celeron de Bienville arrived at Chautauqua Creek on Lake Erie, seeking to claim the Ohio Valley for France. They blazed a trail through the dense forests to Chautauqua Lake, eventually reaching the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. By 1753, a larger French force had expanded the trail into a full military road to transport supplies to a chain of forts along the Allegheny River, including Fort Le Boeuf, Fort Machault, and Fort Duquesne.
The Old Portage Road remained important during the 18th century, particularly in the conflicts between European powers and Native American tribes. During the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the route became a focal point of military campaigns as both the French and British recognized the strategic value of controlling this transportation corridor.
The British briefly re-established the trail during the latter stages of the American Revolutionary War in 1782, using Chautauqua Lake as a staging area for their planned assault on Fort Pitt, which was then in the hands of American forces.
Even in the early 19th century, the Old Portage Road retained its importance. During the War of 1812, it was used by American forces to transport troops and supplies, playing a role in the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie. Supplies, including cannons, were moved from the interior to the American fleet stationed at Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie. This logistical advantage helped the U.S. Navy secure a decisive victory over the British at Put-In-Bay, Ohio.
The Chautauqua Portage played a critical role in the region’s development, serving as a vital link between the Great Lakes and the interior waterways of North America. Its historical importance is underscored by its use in trade, warfare, and the movement of people and goods, making it a key element in both Native American and European settlement patterns.
Though the road has changed over time, it is still in use today, with much of NY 394 tracing the route between Mayville and Westfield. While modern roads may deviate slightly from the original trail, they follow its general path, and parts of the historic road, such as Old Portage Road, still exist near Little Chautauqua Creek. Historical markers, such as one on NY 394 east of Westfield, commemorate the significance of the Old Portage Road, preserving the memory of this once-crucial artery for trade, military campaigns, and transportation.