Lesson 61: Erie Canal

Lesson 61: Erie Canal

By Douglas Allard

• 363 mile long man made river (40 ft wide and 4 ft deep)

What was the Erie Canal?

• Built from 1817-1825

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When: Erie Canal

• Connects Lake Erie to Hudson River

• Goods can travel to New York City by water

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Where: Erie Canal

• New York Governor Dewitt Clinton

• No support from national government

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Who: Erie Canal

• Economic trade

• Goods from the west (farms) could be traded to east (cities)

• Water is faster, cheaper, easier

Why: Erie Canal

• Locks: Water Elevators

  • 555 feet of elevation change

• Aqueducts: bridges of water

  • Need to go over rivers

• Funding: 100% from New York State

  • Paid for in 7 years (tolls)

• 0 trained/educated engineers in US​

  • Irish immigrants built most of the Erie Canal

How: Erie Canal