St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the rich history and culture of the Irish, who not only brought their traditions, strong faith and spirit to America, but also play a vital role in shaping New York.

From building the Erie Canal to introducing culinary staples, the Irish have a lasting legacy that runs deep in the community.

As public historian for the Village of Jordan, Elaine Peters' stories can transport you back in time. Her tales span decades, curating a historical presentation that she calls “Salt Potatoes: The Irish and the Erie Canal.” She even dresses the part, modeling clothing from the 1840s, when the Irish began settling here.

“There was a brand new building project going on," says Elaine Peters. "The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825, was being replaced with a modern barge canal system. This canal is 70 feet wide; it was 70 feet deep. Where we’re standing now, we would be under water today.”

As the old canal was replaced, all the stones were laid by hand. Many of those hands belonged to Irish immigrants, paving the way — brick by brick — for a booming local economy. Businesses like the Cooper Shop crafted barrels to send down the canal to Syracuse, filled with either salt or beer.

Some buildings are no longer standing, but some are. What is still visible? Irish culinary traditions that made their mark in Central New York.

“The Irish would eat potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner," says Peters. "They would take their salt potato with them to work, put it into a vat of salt to warm it up and by lunchtime, they had a nice warm lunch ready to go. Hence, the salt potatoes.”

Even the roads give a historical nod and connection to Irish heritage. State route 317 through Jordan was named that in honor of St. Patrick's Day, believed to be the date of St. Patrick's death in the fifth century.