The Erie Canal: How A ‘Big Ditch’ Transformed America’s Faith

The Erie Canal: A Transformative 'Big Ditch' in America's History

Two hundred years ago, DeWitt Clinton boarded a canal boat on the shores of Lake Erie, marking the beginning of a new era. His vessel, the Seneca Chief, set off from Buffalo, the westernmost port of the newly constructed Erie Canal, and traveled east to Albany, then down the Hudson River to New York City.

This maiden voyage culminated on November 4 with a ceremonial event, which Clinton called

"the Wedding of the Waters"
, where barrels of Lake Erie water were poured into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Erie Canal, now a National Historic Monument, has a lasting legacy, inspiring even a young Abraham Lincoln, who dreamed of becoming

"the DeWitt Clinton of Illinois"
.

The bicentennial of the Erie Canal is being celebrated, honoring its significance as an engineering marvel and its impact on America's history.

Author's summary: The Erie Canal transformed America 200 years ago.

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