According to former Mayor John Manning: “The Central Wharf was known as one of the most important business centers in the country.” It had the grain trade of the city, the insurance business of the city, and the vessel business of the city and canal. During the shipping season there was always “a continuous string of people” along the wharf and its galleries. It was here that the great tide of emigrants departed for points West, their luggage and furniture piled high on the docks. Conestoga wagons, “prairie schooners,” came down to the foot of Main Street, went onto the docks and were loaded two or four on each of the departing steam boats.