Trial of the Frank W. Hawley Electric Trolley System on the Erie Canal

This 1893 Scientific American engraving shows the canal boat Frank W. Hawley of Pittsford during a trial of an overhead electric trolley propulsion system on the Erie Canal near Rochester, New York. The boat, fitted with Westinghouse motors and dual trolley poles, carries a large group of officials and observers; Nikola Tesla is among those on board. The vessel is underway under the wires, with American flags flying, as it demonstrates the system developed under the auspices of New York State.