At the turn of the 18th century, the country was expanding west. However, bypassing the Appalachian Mountains resulted in a long, expensive and dangerous trip. The only practical westward route was through the waterways of New York State. Up until the 1790 census ­ the first census after the American Revolution ­ it was clear that 95% of the United States population was living east of the Appalachian Mountains. Ideas began to emerge about the best route to the west using a system of canals. Finally, Secretary of the Treasury Gallaten developed the “Transportation Plan of 1808” that included a national plan for roads and canals. It was clear that water was the best means and most economically viable mode of transportation for people heading westward. Furthermore, the return trip eastward was then very practical using the same route.

The trip to the west started on the Hudson River ­ originally called the Mahicannituck by the Algonquin speaking Mohican people ­ running north to south on the eastern side of New York State from New York City to Albany, and the Mohawk River ­ originally called the Marquaa Kill or River by the Iroquoian-speaking Maquas or Mohawks, running east to west from Cohoes to Buffalo. While the Mohicans traveled by dugout canoes on the Hudson River, the Maquas traveled the Mohawk River in bark canoes to the Great Lakes along the Mohawk Turnpike, today known as the “Erie Canal.”

The 363 miles of the Erie Canal was opened in sections, being completed in 1825. Within the year of its opening, 40000 thousand people passed through in route to the west. One year later, the Village of Waterford received 7000 westbound boats. The workforce that built the canal was comprised of Dutch, German, French Canadians, Scots, Welch and Native Americans of both Iroquoian and Algonquian tribes. But, the largest group of builders was that of the Irish. However, unlike the thousands of Irishmen who lost their lives in building a canal system in Louisiana, where disease and poison snakes put them at peril, there was little loss of life on the Eire Canal. Nevertheless, the work was hard on the Erie Canal, and crews worked from sunrise to sunset at a mere $0.50 a day together with a ration of whiskey doled out by “jigger bosses.”

The canal boats along the Erie Canal where pulled by mules and those who worked the canals where referred to as “watermen.” Many songs about the Erie Canal were written, probably the most popular being “Low Bridge Everybody Down.” Another song includes the lyrics:

“Oh the E-ri-e was a-rising
And the gin was a-getting low
And I scarcely think we’ll get a drink
Till we get to Buffalo”

The Canal Era spanned from 1825-1860, and although it still has commercial value, many historians are revitalizing many villages, towns and cities along the canal route for recreational use ­ to enjoy the past while still in the present ­ and as educational-seeking ventures.

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