On October 26, 1825, history was made when the Erie Canal opened. After eight long years and $7 million dollars, the canal finally connected Lake Erie to the Hudson River in the state of New York.
What is the history behind the Erie Canal?
The canal was proposed due to the need for westward expansion. Trade and population were largely confined to coastal areas because transportation was hazardous. There were rich resources and plentiful of land beyond the Allegheny Mountains, yet they were inaccessible. The Canal Corporation website explains that Jesse Hawley was the man that envisioned the Erie Canal. At the time Hawley was in debtor's prison, but he wrote a series of essays that depicted the plans for the canal. The Erie Canal project was brought to De Witt Clinton, the former mayor of New York City, who held a lot of influence. He began to actively support the canal since the federal government did not back the proposal. In 1817, New York State Legislature approved construction and gave $7 million to the project. The Library of Congress points out that the Erie Canal is nicknamed "Clinton's Folly" since he played a crucial role in the development of the canal.
What effect did the Erie Canal have?
The Erie Canal led to westward expansion, access to plentiful resources, and transformed New York into a commercial hub. Trade was largely facilitated through canals at this time because travel by road was very expensive. The increase in trade provided an exchange between New York's industrialized goods and the agricultural goods of the Midwest. The canal also had an effect on the settlement patterns of New York. Major cities are along the canal and "80% of upstate New York's population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal." However, in the mid-1900s, the canal experienced a decrease in traffic and use due to the competition of railroads and highways.
The Erie Canal today?
The canal is experiencing a time of rebirth as a "recreational and historic resource." The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor lists all the recreational activities that the canal provides. One can paddle on the canal, cycle along the canal, or enjoy the many parks. There are many historic monuments, museums, and heritage sites. The Erie Canal was also a "Network to Freedom" because many African American slaves used the canals to get to freedom. The Erie Canal holds many adventures that are just waiting to be explored.
Have you ever visited the Erie Canal? If so, what was your favorite memory?
- by Emily Hancz
What is the history behind the Erie Canal?
The canal was proposed due to the need for westward expansion. Trade and population were largely confined to coastal areas because transportation was hazardous. There were rich resources and plentiful of land beyond the Allegheny Mountains, yet they were inaccessible. The Canal Corporation website explains that Jesse Hawley was the man that envisioned the Erie Canal. At the time Hawley was in debtor's prison, but he wrote a series of essays that depicted the plans for the canal. The Erie Canal project was brought to De Witt Clinton, the former mayor of New York City, who held a lot of influence. He began to actively support the canal since the federal government did not back the proposal. In 1817, New York State Legislature approved construction and gave $7 million to the project. The Library of Congress points out that the Erie Canal is nicknamed "Clinton's Folly" since he played a crucial role in the development of the canal.
What effect did the Erie Canal have?
The Erie Canal led to westward expansion, access to plentiful resources, and transformed New York into a commercial hub. Trade was largely facilitated through canals at this time because travel by road was very expensive. The increase in trade provided an exchange between New York's industrialized goods and the agricultural goods of the Midwest. The canal also had an effect on the settlement patterns of New York. Major cities are along the canal and "80% of upstate New York's population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal." However, in the mid-1900s, the canal experienced a decrease in traffic and use due to the competition of railroads and highways.
The Erie Canal today?
The canal is experiencing a time of rebirth as a "recreational and historic resource." The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor lists all the recreational activities that the canal provides. One can paddle on the canal, cycle along the canal, or enjoy the many parks. There are many historic monuments, museums, and heritage sites. The Erie Canal was also a "Network to Freedom" because many African American slaves used the canals to get to freedom. The Erie Canal holds many adventures that are just waiting to be explored.
Have you ever visited the Erie Canal? If so, what was your favorite memory?
- by Emily Hancz
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