The Erie Canal was a preposterous idea. Even President Thomas Jefferson, usually ahead of his time, believed that it could not be built for at least a century, and yet, the Erie Canal came to be just as its planners had thought it would. For the first time in the history of the United States, a cheap, fast route ran through the Appalachians, the mountains that had so effectively divided the West … West from the East of early America. With the canal, the country’s fertile interior became accessible and its great inland lakes were linked to all the seas of the world. Here, from award-winning historian Ralph K. Andrist, is the canal’s dramatic and little-told story.
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This was very informative, but not boring. I lived in Buffalo , NY for many years near the canal, so found the history so interesting. I highly recommend it.
Interesting book that explored both the history of the canal and its impact on the development of the United Stated in the early 19th century. I would have preferred a bit more about the current use of the canal and how it still affects the communities along the banks, but it is still interesting read.
Very interesting. Worth reading if you like history
very worth a read if you have any interest in the canal era in the US (1817-c1850)
i enjoyed this book.
The story of the Erie Canal is the story of one of the most ambitious engineering undertakings up to that point in time. The Erie Canal transformed New York State into the Empire State. New York City also was transformed from a small city – one of many along the Atlantic Coast. New York City became the hub of commence, banking and finance as well as the port of entry for Europeans seeking a new life in America. For many years after the canal’s completion the way to the West was through New York City. I am a descendant of these immigrants and the reason I live in the Metro New York region is in big part due to the Erie Canal.
Very informative.
Plenty of well written details about a geographic icon in my hometowns area.
I knew little about the Erie Canal except the song and some folklore, and I found this account of its construction and impact on nineteenth century America illuminating and fascinating.
If you like history, this is a good read.
A little repetitive and not as interesting as I thought it would be
I loved the history.
I grew up along the Eire Canal. It was most interesting to learn more about it.
Good no on new subject
My Great Grandfather immigrated from Ireland to work on the Erie Canal!!!
Excellent history and great writing
Easy to read and interesting historythe canal building era in US history, concentrating the Erie Canal. Strongly recommend
Only thing negative: there were no naps to “see” the geography of New York State and how the canal cut across the state.
A history of the origins, construction, and operation of the Erie canal, and the associated canal system. I guess this would be ordinary if you’re from upstate New York, but it was all new news to me.
History at a palatable level.
Historical information