How Did Jefferson Build The Erie Canal

Did you know that the idea of the Erie Canal was first rejected by Thomas Jefferson before becoming an important part in American History? The Erie Canal was a very important way of transportation back in the first years of our nation. Many even say it was the greatest invention in New York history. The construction of the Erie canal created a more efficient navigable route from the Atlantic part of New York to the Great Lakes, greatly impacting the movement of people and goods to the American West.

The Erie Canal was a very difficult project that almost never happened. The idea of a canal or waterway from New York to the Great Lakes was first created by President George Washington in 1780. While George Washington was unable to help create the Canal, 27 years later, under President Thomas Jefferson, the idea took hold. While Jefferson originally said no to the thought, DeWitt Clinton was a big part in persuading the New York State government to let the project begin. The Erie Canal cost a total of approximately 7million dollars to build and was paid for by the New York State government. The canal starts in the Atlantic Ocean, goes through New York and eventually ends by the Great Lakes. Simply, the Canal connects Lake Erie to Albany

The construction began in 1817 and ended in 1825 but it wasn't easy. Workers only used shovels, hoes and their hands to build the canal. The construction involved thousands and thousands of workers including local farmers, foreign immigrants, and New England migrants. It was very tough to work. Working conditions were at best boring and dull and at worst death like. Many workers were diminished by bad accidents or diseases but they persevered through it and finished the canal. Even though the construction of the Canal brought the workers lots of pain, it was very important because it was the fastest way of transportation from New York to the Great