The Erie Canal revolutionized 19th-century travel and offered our ancestors a high-speed route from the eastern United States to the Midwest. It made settlement of the Old Northwest Territories economically possible by providing an efficient means of exporting agricultural products to the markets and ports of the east. But it was also one of the most challenging and fascinating projects ever undertaken in America.
Comments (76)
My Great Great Grandmother came to Ohio from Massachusetts to Ohio, part of the way on the Erie Canal. She wrote that she left Providence, R.I., on Monday by steamer to Albany, by railroad to Utica, by canal to Buffalo, sailed on Lake Erie to Cleveland to Norwalk, Ohio by stage, then to her new home by private carriage. Were there any other forms of transportation that she didn't take on that journey?
Most of my relatives that traveled to the Midwest from the East, did not come until the 1860's. So after listening to the Webinar, I have concluded that my ancestors came to the Midwest by train. Did not realize that the Erie Canal was built in eight years. That was an amazing feat during that time period.
Great illustrations and choice of slides. Very enjoyable presentation and beautiful handout.
Annette's presentations are always very well organized and have so much information. Love her!!
Outstanding speaker and coverage of topic. Lots of great leads!
Very interesting! Presenter was extremely knowledgeable.
very informative
I learned a lot about the Erie canal. Before it was just a name. Now I realize that it was built near some of my ancestors.