where did the erie canal begin

Why was the Erie Canal so important to the US?

Why was the Erie Canal so important to the United States? The Erie Canal was first opened in 1825. It was significant because it connected Lake Erie and the Great Lakes system to the Hudson River, and thereby gave the western states direct access to the Atlantic Ocean without shipping goods downstream on the Mississippi River to New Orleans.

What is the Erie Canal's historical significance?

Erie Canal Farmers and industrialists had a relatively cheap and fast means of transporting their products to market It inspired a canal-building boom, other canals were built, improving transportation across the U.S. Thousands of settlers utilized the Erie Canal to move west New cities and ports emerged along the route of the Erie waterway More items...

Why did people built the Erie Canal?

The Erie Canal in New York is part of the east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System (formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal).It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, originally stretching for 363 miles (584 km) from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo.

Why is Erie Canal so important?

Why was the Erie Canal so important to the United States? The Erie Canal provided a direct water route from New York City to the Midwest, triggering large-scale commercial and agricultural development—as well as immigration—to the sparsely populated frontiers of western New York, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and points farther west.

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Where was Erie Canal located?

upstate New YorkThe Erie Canal is a 363-mile waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River in upstate New York. The channel, which traverses New York state from Albany to Buffalo on Lake Erie, was considered an engineering marvel when it first opened in 1825.

When did the Erie Canal begin?

Taking advantage of the Mohawk River gap in the Appalachian Mountains, the Erie Canal, 363 miles (584 km) long, was the first canal in the United States to connect western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean. Construction began in 1817 and was completed in 1825.

Where does the Ohio Erie Canal start and end?

Ohio and Erie CanalStart pointCleveland, Ohio on the lake ErieEnd pointPortsmouth, OhioOhio and Erie Canal Historic DistrictU.S. National Register of Historic Places21 more rows

What are 3 important facts about the Erie Canal?

Fast FactsJUST THE FACTSNumber of locks, 182583Number of locks, present day57Elevation change, Albany to Buffalo571 feetCanal dimensions, 1825 Original Erie4 ft deep x 40 ft wide; locks 90 ft long13 more rows

Who built the Erie Canal and why?

In the winter, the roads dissolved in a sea of mud. An imprisoned flour merchant named Jesse Hawley envisioned a better way: a Canal from Buffalo on the eastern shore of Lake Erie to Albany on the upper Hudson River, a distance of almost 400 miles.

Is Erie Canal still in use today?

Nearly 200 years old and still going strong. New York's canal system has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system on the North American continent. Over the years, it has been enlarged three times to accommodate larger boats and more traffic.

What is the difference between the Erie Canal and the barge canal?

The Barge Canal consists of the Erie Canal and the three chief branches of the State system—the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga and Seneca canals. The Erie is the main line and reaches across the state from Troy on the Hudson River to Tonawanda and Buffalo on the Niagara River.

How deep is the Erie Canal?

14.01′Erie Canal / Max depth

When and why was the Erie Canal built?

Built between 1817 and 1825, the original Erie Canal traversed 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo. It was the longest artificial waterway and the greatest public works project in North America. The canal put New York on the map as the Empire State—the leader in population, industry, and economic strength.

When was the first canal built?

The oldest known canals were irrigation canals, built in Mesopotamia circa 4000 BC, in what is now Iraq. The Indus Valley civilization of ancient India (circa 3000 BC) had sophisticated irrigation and storage systems developed, including the reservoirs built at Girnar in 3000 BC.

How long did the Erie Canal take to build?

8 yearsThe canal was completed in only 8 years at a cost of $7,000,000. When completed on October 26, 1825, DeWitt Clinton (by then Governor of New York) boarded a vessel, the Seneca Chief, in Buffalo and headed to New York City.

Is Erie Canal still in use today?

Nearly 200 years old and still going strong. New York's canal system has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system on the North American continent. Over the years, it has been enlarged three times to accommodate larger boats and more traffic.

When did the Erie Canal start?

Clinton saw his plan come to fruition in 1817 after he became the governor of New York. Workers first broke ground on the Erie Canal on July 4, 1817, near Utica, New York.

Why was the Erie Canal important?

Financing of the Erie Canal’s construction allowed the city to eclipse Philadelphia as the country’s most important banking center. The Erie Canal also provided an economic boost to the entire United States by allowing the transport of goods at one-tenth the previous cost in less than half the previous time.

Why is the Erie Canal considered a national historic corridor?

In 2000, Congress designated the Erie Canal a National Heritage Corridor to help preserve New York State’s historic waterway and the communities along its banks.

How long did it take for the Seneca Chief to sail from Buffalo to New York City?

A fleet of boats, led by Governor Dewitt Clinton aboard the Seneca Chief sailed from Buffalo to New York City in record time—just ten days. The canal transformed New York City into the commercial capital it remains today. Prior to the canal’s construction, the ports of Boston, Philadelphia and New Orleans outranked New York in size. ...

What was the only formal engineering program in North America at the time the Erie Canal was built?

Project engineers had little experience building canals. The military academy at West Point in New York offered the only formal engineering program in North America at the time the Erie Canal was built.

Why was the Erie Canal enlarged?

The Erie Canal was enlarged twice to fit wider and deeper boats. Some parts were rerouted to make way for more ship traffic in 1918. Portions of the original canal are still operable, though tourism is now the main source of boat traffic along the Erie Canal.

How long is the Erie Canal?

Contents. The Erie Canal is a 363-mile waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River in upstate New York. The channel, which traverses New York state from Albany to Buffalo on Lake Erie, was considered an engineering marvel when it first opened in 1825.

Where was the Erie Canal dug?

Erie Canal, Lockport, New York. Work was undertaken by multiple contractors who agreed to dig small sections of the canal. Each contractor was then responsible for supplying equipment and for hiring, supervising, and paying his own workers. Using horses and manpower, the canal was dug across the state.

How wide is the Erie Canal?

With a typical canal prism shape—12 metres (40 feet) wide on the top, 8.5 metres (28 feet) wide at the bottom, and 1.2 metres (4 feet) deep—the engineers patterned the Erie Canal after the Middlesex Canal in Massachusetts. The Erie required 83 locks, each made of stone, to move boats up and down the natural elevations.

What was the first canal in the United States to connect western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean?

Taking advantage of the Mohawk River gap in the Appalachian Mountains, the Erie Canal, 363 miles (584 km) long, was the first canal in the United States to connect western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean. Construction began in 1817 and was completed in 1825. Its success propelled New York City into a major commercial centre ...

What was the first canal in the United States?

Erie Canal, historic waterway of the United States, connecting the Great Lakes with New York City via the Hudson River at Albany. Taking advantage of the Mohawk River gap in the Appalachian Mountains, the Erie Canal, 363 miles (584 km) long, was the first canal in the United States to connect western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean. Construction began in 1817 and was completed in 1825. Its success propelled New York City into a major commercial centre and encouraged canal construction throughout the United States. In addition, construction of the canal served as a training ground for many of the engineers who built other American canals and railroads in the ensuing decades.

Why did the Governor of New York pour water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean?

New York Governor DeWitt Clinton pouring water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean to mark the completion of the Erie Canal.

What was the success of the Erie Canal?

Its success propelled New York City into a major commercial centre and encouraged canal construction throughout the United States. In addition, construction of the canal served as a training ground for many of the engineers who built other American canals and railroads in the ensuing decades. Erie Canal Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

How many locks were there in the Niagara Escarpment?

On the western side, the challenge was the Niagara Escarpment, a 23-metre (75-foot) rock ridge. Canal engineer Nathan B. Roberts designed a series of 10 locks, five levels with 2 locks side-by-side, to carry boats over this barrier.

What was the Erie Canal?

The Erie Canal was the beginning of a national transportation system, connecting ports on the Great Lakes with eastern markets. To reach into the Midwest, America needed canals built farther inland. Seeing the benefits of the Erie Canal, Ohio caught canal fever. By 1825, plans to link Lake Erie with the Ohio River were underway.

When was the Ohio & Erie Canal established?

The Ohio & Erie Canal became the spine of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, established in 1974 . In 1996, it also became the backbone of the new Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Why did the Ohio canals help the economy?

The Ohio & Erie Canal opened up Ohio and expanded America’s market economy .

How long did it take to build the Ohio & Erie Canal?

Using design specifications from the Erie Canal, construction on the Ohio & Erie Canal began throughout the state in 1825. It took two years of hand digging to complete the section from Cleveland to Akron, and five more years to finish all the sections.

How long did it take to get from Cleveland to Cincinnati?

By the fall of 1832, the canal promised passage from Cleveland to Cincinnati in 80 hours, a trip that had once taken weeks. The Moody and Thomas Mill in Peninsula. NPS Collection.

Where did the Ohio and Erie Canal go?

The Ohio & Erie Canal traveled through the Cuyahoga Valley on its way to connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie. Wherever this man-made ditch went, change followed: change for the Cuyahoga Valley, the region, and the nation.

What river would supply the water for the canal?

At the divide’s highest point, today’s Summit County, the canal would need additional sources of water. The Cuyahoga River and the nearby Portage Lakes could supply that water.

Where did the Erie Canal begin?

The Erie Canal would connect to the port of New York City by beginning at the Hudson river near Troy, New York. The Hudson River flows into New York Bay and past the west side ...

What is the Erie Canal used for?

Now, the canals are primarily used for pleasure boating - bike paths, trails, and recreational marinas line the canal today. The development of the railroad in the 19th century and the automobile in the 20th century sealed the fate of the Erie Canal.

What were the names of the canals that connected the Finger Lakes to the New York State Canal?

After the opening of the Erie Canal , additional canals were constructed to connect the Erie Canal to Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, and the Finger Lakes. The Erie Canal and its neighbors became known as the New York State Canal System.

What was the goal of the Erie Canal?

A major goal was to link Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes with the Atlantic Coast through a canal. The Erie Canal, completed on October 25, 1825 improved transportation and helped populate the interior of the U.S.

How much did it cost to build the Erie Canal?

The Erie Canal cost $7 million dollars to build but reduced shipping costs significantly. Before the canal, the cost to ship one ton of goods from Buffalo to New York City cost $100. After the canal, the same ton could be shipped for a mere $10.

How long was the Hudson River canal?

The canal consisted of 85 locks to manage a 500 foot (150 meter) rise in elevation from the Hudson River to Buffalo. The canal was 363 miles (584 kilometers) long, 40 feet (12 m) wide, and 4 feet deep (1.2 m). Overhead aqueducts were used to allow streams to cross the canal.

Where does the Hudson River flow?

The Hudson River flows into New York Bay and past the west side of Manhattan in New York City. From Troy, the canal would flow to Rome (New York) and then through Syracuse and Rochester to Buffalo, located on the northeast coast of Lake Erie.

How long was the Erie Canal?

In total, the project called for a canal that was 363 miles long, 40 feet wide, and 4 feet deep.

Who proposed the canal in 1808?

His proposal was denied, but two others, Thomas Eddy and State Senator Jonas Platt, presented the project to influential NYC Mayor Dewitt Clinton.

Why was trade limited to eastern coastal cities?

For the most part, trade was limited to eastern coastal cities because there wasn't an efficient mode of transportation. Instead of roads, explorers sought a different and better way to conduct trade across the country. The answer would come from a merchant named Jesse Hawley. Hawley envisioned a canal that would begin in Buffalo, ...

What were the major hurdles in the construction of the canals?

One of the project's major hurdles was its own engineers and contractors. Many had little experience building canals and locks, so they had to learn as they worked.

Is the Erie Canal still used?

Commercial traffic on the Erie Canal has significantly fallen since then, but the canal still accommodates heavy barges and other boats. Today in the 21st century, it is popularly used by recreational boaters who are able to enjoy traveling along the historic trade route.

How many locks were built in the Erie Canal?

West of Troy, 83 canal locks were built to accommodate the 500-foot rise in elevation. After more than two years of digging, the 425-mile Erie Canal was opened on October 26, 1825, by Governor Clinton. The effect of the canal was immediate and dramatic. Settlers poured into western New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.

When did the Irish start working on the canal?

Work began on the waterway in August 1823. Teams of oxen plowed the ground, but for the most part the work was done by Irish diggers who had to rely on primitive tools. They were paid $10 a month, and barrels of whisky were placed along the canal route as encouragement.

What is the name of the canal that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean?

The Erie Canal opens, connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. Governor DeWitt Clinton of New York, the driving force behind the project, led the opening ceremonies and rode the canal boat Seneca Chief from Buffalo to New York City.

What were the effects of the canal?

The effect of the canal was immediate and dramatic. Settlers poured into western New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. Goods were transported at one-tenth the previous fee in less than half the time. Barges of farm produce and raw materials traveled east, as manufactured goods and supplies flowed west.

When did Benjamin Franklin sail for France?

On October 26, 1776, exactly one month to the day after being named an agent of a diplomatic commission by the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin sets sail from Philadelphia for France, with which he was to negotiate and secure a formal alliance and treaty. In France, the ...read more

Is the Erie Canal still used today?

Later enlarged and deepened, the canal survived competition from the railroads in the latter part of the 19th century. Today, the Erie Canal is used mostly by pleasure boaters, but it is still capable of accommodating heavy barges. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness.

When was the Erie Canal completed?

The Erie Canal in New York proved to be an early success after it was completed in 1825 . The Ohio House and Senate had worked for two decades to pass legislation authorizing a canal, gaining success with the Act of February 4, 1825, which finally approved the construction of the Ohio canal system.

When was the Miami and Erie Canal abandoned?

It was permanently abandoned for commercial use in 1913 after a historic flood in Ohio severely damaged it.

What was the name of the canal that ran from Cincinnati to Toledo?

Jump to navigation Jump to search. 19th-century manmade water route between Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio, U.S. Along the canal c. 1910. The Miami and Erie Canal was a 274-mile (441 km) canal that ran from Cincinnati to Toledo, Ohio, creating a water route between the Ohio River and Lake Erie.

How did the Miami and Erie Canal affect the economy?

Factors limiting the canal's success included the lower population and level of economic development in Ohio, compared to that of New York when its canal was completed. Second, while New York had one canal that was located at the bottleneck of Great Lakes trade, Ohio had two canals, which spread usage too thinly. Third, was the expense of building and maintaining the canals. While the Erie Canal was 363 miles in length, with an elevation change of 700 feet, the combined length of Ohio's canals was 557 miles, with an elevation change of 2,096 feet. Compared to operations of the Erie Canal, the Ohio canal system had less trade and fewer passengers, while it had to operate over a longer length, and at a greater expense.

What cities are on the Miami and Erie Canal?

The following is a list of towns and cities within Ohio (arranged North to South) along the Miami and Erie Canal. The canal was constructed parallel to the Maumee River to Defiance, from where it was constructed in a southerly route to Cincinnati. Toledo, Ohio. Maumee, Ohio. Waterville, Ohio.

Why was Indian Lake enlarged?

Indian Lake in Logan County was greatly enlarged to provide a steadier supply of water for the Sidney feeder canal. Branch canals were built to serve as extensions from the main canal. The Warren County Canal, was a branch canal constructed from the Miami and Erie Canal at Middletown to Lebanon.

How many locks were there in the canal?

At its peak, it included 19 aqueducts, three guard locks, 103 canal locks, multiple feeder canals, and a few man-made water reservoirs. The canal climbed 395 feet (120 m) above Lake Erie and 513 feet ...

When was the Erie Canal completed?

The Erie Canal, fully completed in 1825, was an immediate triumph, transporting goods, people and ideas between the East Coast and the frontier settlements of the Midwest and beyond. In 1834, the canal underwent a major enlargement—70 feet wide and seven feet deep—to better handle an increased crush of boat traffic.

How was the Erie Canal built?

The Erie Canal was built decades before the invention of dynamite to efficiently blast through stubborn rock, or steam-powered earth-movers and excavators to clear mud, rock and rubble. Instead, the thickly forested land was cleared and the 40-foot wide canal was dug and the locks were constructed by the raw manpower of an estimated 50,000 ...

Who Built the Erie Canal?

The first barges from Buffalo arrive in New York City via the newly-opened Erie Canal, 1825.

How many locks were there in the Erie Canal?

The man-made waterway, designed by untrained engineers, featured 83 separate locks, two massive stone-and-cement aqueducts to crisscross the Mohawk River, and a final ingenious “flight” of interconnected locks to raise boats over the 70-foot Niagara Escarpment. The Erie Canal was built decades before the invention of dynamite to efficiently blast ...

What was the name of the barge that DeWitt took on the Erie Canal?

Yet in 1825, just eight years after workers broke ground, DeWitt boarded a barge called the Seneca Chief and took a victory cruise along the newly opened Erie Canal, an engineering marvel unlike anything America had ever seen.

What was the name of the swamps that were a result of the canal?

According to an 1820 report from the Canal Commission, three-quarters of these early laborers were “born among us.” But those demographics changed quickly when work on the canal moved westward into a soggy and mosquito-plagued region called the Montezuma swamps. Unable to convince upstate farmers to muck it out in the inhospitable territory, contractors hired teams of Irish immigrants freshly arrived in New York Harbor. Thousands of Irish laborers were sickened or died in the swamps from what was called “Genesee fever,” but which was actually malaria.

How many men worked to dig the Erie Canal?

Wages were 50 cents to a dollar a day and the work in those first years was painfully slow. From 1818 to 1819, around three thousand men and 700 horses labored every day to dig the section of the Erie Canal from Utica to the Seneca River.

The Route

Funding

Construction Begins

• On July 4, 1817, construction of the Erie Canal began in Rome, New York. The first segment of the canal would proceed east from Rome to the Hudson River. Many canal contractors were simply wealthy farmers along the canal route, contracted to construct their own tiny portion of the canal. Thousands of British, German, and Irish immigrants provided t...

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The Erie Canal Is Completed

Reduced Shipping Costs

Expansion