THE ERIE CANAL What do you know about the Erie Canal? During the 18th and 19th century, there was a need for more advanced ways of trade and travel in the United States. One method of travel, by waterway, had proved successful in other parts of the world. The Erie Canal was America’s answer to the need for transportation across New York and by the turn of the 19th century, construction went on its way. There were many challenges in the construction of the Canal. Machinery at the time was not as advanced, and work was at times slow and difficult. Cities along the canal grew rapidly and new methods of construction were invented to answer the problems of the workers. After the Erie Canal was completed, many cities on the canal benefited from the trade route. Despite costing millions of dollars, the Erie Canal was a valuable venture in the long run and is still in use today. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.