Who paid for Erie Canal?
6 min read
Asked by: Matt Olson
Clinton was elected Governor later that year, just before construction of the Erie Canal started at Rome on July 4, 1817. Thereafter, construction and operation of the Erie Canal was authorized, funded, and managed by New York State.
Who sponsored the building of the Erie Canal?
In 1817, following election as governor of New York, Clinton persuaded the state legislature to authorize loans for $7 million to build a canal from Buffalo, on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, to the upper Hudson, passing through the Mohawk Valley region.
How did the Erie Canal make money?
The Erie Canal helped to launch the consumer economy.
Farmers could grow wheat in western New York, sell it and have cash to buy furniture and clothing shipped up the canal that they otherwise would have made at home,” Kelly says. “That was the first inklings of the consumer economy.”
Who benefited from the Erie Canal?
The completion of the Erie Canal spurred the first great westward movement of American settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the Appalachians and made New York the preeminent commercial city in the United States.
When was the Erie Canal paid for?
Therefore, the New York State legislature took the matter into its own hands and approved state funding for the canal in 1816, with tolls to pay back the state treasury for upon completion. New York City Mayor DeWitt Clinton was a major proponent of a canal and supported efforts for its construction.
How long did it take for the Erie Canal to pay for itself?
It took canal laborers—some Irish immigrants, but most U.S.-born men—eight years to finish the project. They cleared the land by hand and animal power and blasted through rock with gunpowder.
How much did the people make per day who worked on the Erie Canal?
Wages were 50 cents to a dollar a day and the work in those first years was painfully slow. From 1818 to 1819, around three thousand men and 700 horses labored every day to dig the section of the Erie Canal from Utica to the Seneca River.
How much does it cost to use the Erie Canal?
Recreational Permit Fees ( No Recreational Fees for 2018)
| Vessel Size | Seasonal Pass | Ten-Day Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft. (4.88 meters) | $25.00 | $12.50 |
| 16 ft. – Under 26 ft. (4.88 meters) – (7.93 meters) | $50.00 | $25.00 |
| 26 ft. – 39 ft. (7.93 meters) – (11.89 meters) | $75.00 | $37.50 |
| Over 39 ft. (11.89 meters) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
How much did it cost to travel on the Erie Canal as a passenger in 1836?
Schenectady and Utica is 80 Miles, the passage is $3.50, [equivalent to approximately $69.00 in today’s money] which includes board. There are other Boats called Line Boats that carry at a cheaper rate, being found for 2/3 of the price mentioned.
How did New York business owners feel about the Erie Canal?
New Yorkers had mixed feelings about the Erie Canal. They saw the advantages of quicker and cheaper transportation, but they also recognized the problems it would bring.
What are two economic effects of the Erie Canal?
What Are the two economic effects of the Erie Canal? City Expansion and Goods traveling on it. How much did women make in the textile mills?
How did the Erie Canal effect the economy?
The economic value of the Erie Canal is immeasurable. It allowed New York City to establish a trade position and become one of the world’s dominant commercial centers. People and products moved West, creating a market for produce in the Midwest. Populations boomed.
How did Erie Canal affect Native Americans?
The canal transformed the lives of Native Americans in the state of New York. Its construction occurred during a period of intense “Indian removal” policies, and the canal itself ran through territory traditionally occupied by the Haudenosaunee (better known as the Iroquois Confederacy), forcing many of them to move.
What are 3 important facts about the Erie Canal?
Interesting Facts about the Erie Canal
The original canal included 83 locks and rose 583 feet from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. Today, the canal has 36 locks. There was a towpath along the side of the canal where horses or mules would tow the boat along the canal. The horse drivers were called “hoggees.”
What are four interesting facts about the Erie Canal?
Fast Facts
| JUST THE FACTS | |
|---|---|
| Number of locks, 1825 | 83 |
| Number of locks, present day | 57 |
| Elevation change, Albany to Buffalo | 571 feet |
| Canal dimensions, 1825 Original Erie | 4 ft deep x 40 ft wide; locks 90 ft long |
Is Erie Canal still in use today?
Nearly 200 years old and still going strong. New York’s canal system has been in continuous operation since 1825, longer than any other constructed transportation system on the North American continent. Over the years, it has been enlarged three times to accommodate larger boats and more traffic.
Is the Erie Canal free?
2022 Navigation Season
There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year. The hours of operation for the 2022 season are as follows: Standard hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily until October 12, 2022.
Why do they drain the Erie Canal?
The Erie Canal is drained every year to allow repairs and maintenance over the winter.
Can you boat on the Erie Canal?
Whether you’re in a kayak, 50′ cruiser or anything in-between you will find a unique boating experience on the Erie Canal. With 55 locks, 16 lift bridges, more than 60 communities all on the 524 miles of navigable waterway that make up the Erie Canal System. A boat trip on the Erie is something you won’t soon forget.
What is the biggest fish in Lake Erie?
Muskellunge. The king of freshwater fish, the Muskellunge, can grow up to 54 inches in the great lakes. One was caught on the New York side of Lake Erie. Most anglers treat these fish as catch and release, especially if they are under 40lbs.
Are there overnight cruises on the Erie Canal?
Rent a self-skippered canal boat or overnight cruiser for a multi-day vacation. Rental boats are equipped with sleeping quarters, a galley, and plenty of deck space for relaxing. You’ll get lessons in steering, docking, and locking through before heading out.
How many locks are in the Erie Canal?
57 locks
There are a total of 57 locks and 17 lift bridges on the Canal System (including the lateral canals). How big are the locks on the Canal System? All Canal System lock dimensions are 328 feet long and 45 feet wide. The area available for vessels within a lock is 300 feet long, 43.5 feet wide.
How long does it take to navigate the Erie Canal?
Canal Boating Basics
It takes 15 to 20 minutes to go through a lock. Power boats and paddlers share the canal, so be mindful of speed limits and wakes. The canal is open daily from 7am to 5pm, but many locks and lift bridges are open on demand until 10pm.
