The Erie Canal is a significant part of American history.Completed in 1825, it allowed for goods to be transported from the east coast to the midwest at a mere fraction of the cost of traveling by land. The canal was originally built under the supervision of New York City governor Dewitt Clinton using manual labor but has been updated and expanded over the years.Today, it is a major tourist attraction and still plays an important role in transportation. In this article, we will learn some fun facts about the Erie Canal! So, take a journey with us from Lake Erie- one of the great lakes of North America- through the Hudson River to the cold Atlantic Ocean!Location Of The Erie CanalThe Erie Canal is located in upstate New York, extending from Albany to Buffalo via the Hudson River. The canal was opened in 1825 and played a key role in the development of the United States. The Champlain Canal, which is interconnected to the Erie Canal, was inaugurated on the same day!The canal connects to Lake Erie and runs east through the Southern Tier until it reaches Rochester near Lake Ontario (New York State Museum).The original Erie Canal allowed for goods to be transported more efficiently and helped spur economic growth in the region. Today, the Erie Canal is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors a glimpse into America’s past.It is also considered an important Canalway. The rise in transportation of goods and ease of transport prompted migration to central and western New York, which was not so densely populated before.The Erie Canal is 363 mi (584 km) long and has a depth of between 4-14 ft (1.2-4.2 m). It was initially built as a transportation route for goods traveling between New York City and Buffalo, but it now also serves as a recreational attraction for tourists.The Erie Canal can accommodate boats up to 55 ft (16.7 m) in length, thanks to its deep water.History Of The Erie CanalThe construction of this canal began in 1817 to help provide a water route from Albany to Buffalo in New York. The canal was initially planned to be around 43 mi (69 km) long and cost $700,000 to build. It was opened on October 26, 1825.During the opening ceremony of the Erie Canal, the then Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton, made the journey down the canal system from Lake Erie with two barrels of Lake Erie water onboard his boat. The water was poured into the Atlantic on the completion of his journey to signify the meeting of the two water bodies through the canal!The Erie Canal’s construction allowed goods and people to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes.The canal immensely helped spur economic growth in New York and the Midwest, as well as increase the size of the city itself due to expansion.It also helped make America a world power by allowing the transportation of goods and people to other parts of the world.The Erie Canal has been used for many different purposes over the years, including transportation of goods, military movements, tourism, and, more recently, as a source of hydroelectricity.The canal was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.It is now part of the New York State Thruway system and is open to recreational boating. Thousands of people visit the Erie Canal each year to enjoy its beauty and history.Bridges On The Erie CanalDifferent bridges on the Erie Canal vary in their design and purpose. Some of the bridges are used for transportation, while others are used for recreation. The bridges also have different styles, ranging from Gothic to modern.Each bridge is unique and adds to the beauty of the canal. If you want to experience the beauty of the Erie Canal, you can visit any of its many bridges. Each one is different and offers a unique view of this magnificent waterway.Whether you’re crossing on foot or by boat, be sure to take in the sights and sounds of these magnificent structures.There are a great many lift bridges situated over the Erie Canal in New York City alone, which help manage traffic in the city and accommodate freight boats and passenger boats passing through the water below!The first bridge you will encounter when traveling on the Erie Canal is the Black Rock Bridge. This bridge was completed in 1913 and is made of stone and wood. It has a Gothic style and crosses over Lockport Creek.Next up is the Main Street Bridge in Fairport. This bridge was built in 1914 and spans across the Genesee River. It is made of steel and has a Romanesque style.The next bridge is the Union Street Bridge in Spencerport, which was built in 1914. It is made out of metal and has multiple distinct rivets spanning across its length.Another bridge covering the canal is the Crescent Bridge, which was opened in 1965. It carries a section of the United States Route 9 over the Mohawk Canal! The bridge has been periodically remodeled to accommodate traffic, and the current model is a steel girder bridge.These are just some of the bridges that can be found on the Erie Canal. Each one offers its own unique experience and adds to the beauty of this historic waterway. So next time you’re traveling through New York, make sure to take some time to stop and enjoy these amazing bridges!If you’re looking for a bridge with a bit of history, check out Lockport’s Flight of Five Bridge. This bridge was built in 1851 and is still in use today.It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re looking for a bridge that has a more modern style, try the Scajaquada Expressway Bridge near Buffalo. This bridge was completed in 1978 and is an impressive sight when traveling up or down the canal. Whichever bridge you choose, be sure to enjoy the view!Fish Species Found In The Erie CanalThe Erie Canal is home to various fish species, including black bass, largemouth bass, carp, sunfish, pike, catfish, and walleye.These fish are found in both the open water and the canal’s many tributaries. The canal is also home to several endangered fish species, including the shortnose sturgeon, northern redbelly dace, and the Atlantic salmon.In recent years, efforts have been taken to protect these endangered fish by constructing artificial spawning reefs in the canal.These reefs provide essential habitat for young fish, helping them thrive and grow into adulthood. Thanks to these efforts, the Erie Canal is now one of the most diverse fisheries in New York State.Public fishing on the banks of the canal provides for fun family outings or for people looking to test out their hobby fishing skills.Some of the other interesting creatures found in the Erie Canal include muskrats, beavers, and turtles.These species of fauna are an important part of the canal’s ecosystem, and their presence can be a sign that the water is healthy and balanced.If you’re lucky, you may also see a bald eagle soaring overhead or a river otter swimming through the water. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to take some time to explore the Erie Canal and see what it has to offer!The canal itself is drained every year during the winter for routine maintenance and repairs. It is filled back up once spring sets in, and all the wildlife species slowly settle back into their natural habitat along with the waters.
The Erie Canal is a significant part of American history.
