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On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened as the first major manmade waterway in the United States

October 26, 2023

|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 26 of October, repeating indefinitely

On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened as the first major manmade waterway in the United States. Running 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo, New York it was the longest artificial waterway in North America and connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River.

Did you know? The canal was not only a major development in infrastructure for the Midwest, but boosted New York City’s status as an economic center of the nation. Prior to the Erie Canal’s construction, New York’s port was dwarfed by those of Boston, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. With new direct access to the Midwest however, New York became a primary trade center.

Today, the canal is primarily a historic and recreational area, with visitors coming to enjoy boating and bike trails. 🚣‍♂️🚣‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

 

Pittsford on the Erie Canal, George Harvey, 1837

-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Media and Digital Content Associate

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Date:
October 26, 2023
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