ˈɪntɹɛst ɪn ɪmpɹˈuːvɪŋ tɹænspoːɹtˈeɪʃən əkɹˌɑːs ðə wˈʌnɪdə kˈæɹi bɪɡˈæn æz ˈɜːli æz wˈʌn θˈaʊzənd sˈɛvənhˈʌndɹɪd tˈuː wɛn nˈeɪɾɪv ɐmˈɛɹɪkənz pətˈɪʃənd ɡˈʌvɚnɚ kˈɔːɹnbɛɹi tə hæv ɪmpɹˈuːvmənts mˌeɪd tʊ ɐlˈaʊ ˈiːziɚ pˈæsɪdʒ ʌv bˈoʊts.
Interest in improving transportation across the Oneida Carry began as early as 1702 when native Americans petitioned Governor Cornbury to have improvements made to allow easier passage of boats.