The Erie Canal: How A ‘Big Ditch’ Transformed America’s Faith

The Erie Canal: A Transformative 'Big Ditch' in America's History

Two hundred years ago, DeWitt Clinton boarded a canal boat on the shores of Lake Erie, marking the beginning of a new era. His vessel, the Seneca Chief, set off from Buffalo, the westernmost port of the newly constructed Erie Canal, and made its way east to Albany, then down the Hudson River to New York City.

This maiden voyage culminated on November 4 with a ceremonial event, which Clinton referred to as

"the Wedding of the Waters."
This event involved the discharge of barrels full of Lake Erie water into the Atlantic Ocean, a gesture of
"pure political theater."

The Erie Canal is an engineering marvel and a National Historic Monument, celebrated in folk song. Its legacy was so profound that it inspired a young Abraham Lincoln, who dreamed of becoming

"the DeWitt Clinton of Illinois."

Author's summary: The Erie Canal transformed America 200 years ago.

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