Can anyone recommend some resources for learning more about the inland water route from Albany (or Schenectady) to Oswego, prior to the building of the Erie Canal?  

Specifically, I'm wondering how much shipping took place on this somewhat cumbersome route, and to what final destinations?  Towns on Lake Ontario?  With NIagara Falls in the way, they would not have had good access to the rest of the Great Lakes, would they have?

Thanks for any help...

Dave R.