Women of the Canal: A Hidden History Tour with Maria Blair

When we think of the Erie Canal, we often picture burly laborers and grizzled boatmen—but what about the women? This ride brings their stories to the forefront.

Led by local guide Maria Blair of No Illusions Walking Tours, this ride uncovers the untold contributions of women in shaping Buffalo’s canal corridor. From boardinghouse keepers to civic leaders, from charity workers to reformers, women were deeply woven into the fabric of canal life—and their stories deserve the spotlight.

We’ll hear about figures like Mary Remington, who operated a well-known rooming house near the canal, and Maria Love, a pioneering force in social welfare. Along the way, we’ll uncover how women navigated economic hardship, moral reform, and community building in a city undergoing rapid change.

Told with Maria’s signature mix of sharp insight and warmth, this tour challenges myths and opens up a new lens on Buffalo’s past.

About the Guide

Maria Blair is the owner and operator of No Illusions Tours, a walking tour company that began in 2019 with the intention of telling Buffalo’s stories from the voices we don’t always hear from. Maria has bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Education and in History. Her writing has been featured in local publications and her work specializes in local women’s history and Buffalo’s hidden stories.