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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A great history of the Erie Canal and the contemporary event (political & social) of the time. Could have been augmented with maps and drawings (photos from much later on). Good quick read.
A bit of a dry history, but it deals with the many political, business, and financial difficulties that were overcome to build this important waterway. A wonderful look at America and the visionaries behind “Clinton’s Ditch” from the first plans in colonial America through its completion in the early 19th century.
Fascinating history not very common topic
I grew up in Schenectady New York which was on the Erie Canal. I used to bike ride to lock7. My grandparents owned a store onErie Boulevard , a street that covered part of the canal. Therefore I really enjoyed reading about the hardships both politically and physically that helped make the canal possible. I didn’t realize that it was the gateway to the West.
A masterful telling of the epic task of building the Erie Canal and the effects it had on the country. The west would not have been opened but for the canal.
Excellent story of an important chapter in bringing Midwest and East (NY) together.
Neat history of the Erie and the building of America.
A lot of history I didn’t know.
incredible feat of engineering and fortitude – didn’t realize how many men died due to malaria and other insect borne diseases. Well written about a subject I was always interested in but knew very little about
I lived within of 200 ft of Lake Erie. It sure was great.
I’ve see parts of the canal while vacationing. I was not aware of all that went in to its construction.
a history i was unaware of.
worthwhile.
bob hayes
Born and raised in Syracuse, so the history was of interest.
No map!! I can’t believe it!
Brought a period of time to life,showing how our country grew.
Good information of our American History
I grew up in this part of the country and thoroughly enjoyed learning more of the history of the Erie Canal.
Lacks maps and illustrations which undermines the narrative. Maps of canals of the era are easy to secure and should be included.
A bit elementary. Probably written for Roth grade civics course
Historical, very interesting