Erie Canal
The east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System
Real World Example
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was a crucial waterway connecting the Hudson River with Lake Erie, significantly enhancing trade and transportation. It played a key role in the economic growth of the United States, helping to establish New York City as a major port and fostering a sense of national unity by linking distant regions. The canal symbolized innovation and the American spirit of progress, encouraging westward expansion and the growth of industry. Today, its legacy lives on in the importance of infrastructure in connecting communities and boosting economies. For example, modern highways and rail systems continue to embody the same values of connectivity and economic opportunity that the Erie Canal first represented.
