Article: Building the Erie Canal.(reprinted from The New York State Conservationist, August 1967)

THIS year New York State celebrates the 150th anniversary of the start of what at the time was one of the most ambitious projects attempted by the newly-formed nation of the United States. In 1817, the first spadeful of soil was turned to begin construction of the Erie Canal.

The beginning was so auspicious that the ceremony was held on July 4, the nation's birthday. Eight years later, the canal was completed and the event celebrated in a picturesque ceremony. On November 4, 1825, Gov. DeWitt Clinton made the passage on the canal from Buffalo to New York City and celebrated the "marriage of the waters" by pouring a container of Lake Erie water into New York Bay.

...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!