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The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress: A Journey Through the Past and Present

Jace Mitchell

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Published in The Artificial River: The Erie Canal And The Paradox Of Progress 1817 1862

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The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was one of the most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects in American history. It connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, opening up the Midwest to settlement and commerce. But the canal also had a dark side, displacing Native Americans and contributing to the spread of disease. In

The Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862

by Carol Sheriff

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress:

The Erie Canal was a major engineering feat that revolutionized transportation in the United States.
The canal had a profound impact on the economy and settlement of the Midwest.
The canal also had a negative impact on Native Americans and the environment.
The Erie Canal is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of progress.

The Building of the Erie Canal

The Erie Canal was built between 1817 and 1825. It was a massive undertaking, involving the excavation of millions of cubic yards of earth and the construction of hundreds of bridges and locks. The canal was financed by the state of New York, and its construction was overseen by a team of engineers led by Benjamin Wright.

The Erie Canal was a major engineering feat. It was the longest canal in the world at the time, and it was built in a record amount of time. The canal was also a major economic success. It quickly became a major artery of trade and commerce, and it played a key role in the development of the Midwest.

The Impact of the Erie Canal

The Erie Canal had a profound impact on the economy and settlement of the Midwest. It made it possible for farmers in the Midwest to ship their products to Eastern markets, and it made it possible for Eastern manufacturers to ship their goods to the Midwest. The canal also led to the growth of cities along its route, such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.

The Erie Canal also had a negative impact on Native Americans. The canal was built on land that had been promised to the Seneca Nation by the Treaty of Canandaigua. The Seneca were forced to give up their land, and they were not compensated for their loss. The canal also contributed to the spread of disease among Native Americans.

The Erie Canal Today

The Erie Canal is still in use today, although it is no longer as important as it once was. The canal is now used primarily for recreation and tourism. It is a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and hikers. The canal is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.

The Erie Canal is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of progress. The canal was a major engineering feat that revolutionized transportation in the United States. It had a profound impact on the economy and settlement of the Midwest. But the canal also had a negative impact on Native Americans and the environment. The Erie Canal is a reminder that progress often comes at a cost.

The Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862

by Carol Sheriff

4.1 out of 5