The Erie Canal

by Ralph K. Andrist, An American

The Erie Canal was a preposterous idea. Even President Thomas Jefferson, usually ahead of his time, believed that it could not be built for at least a century, and yet, the Erie Canal came to be just as its planners had thought it would. For the first time in the history of the United States, a cheap, fast route ran through the Appalachians, the mountains that had so effectively divided the West from the East of early America. With the canal, the country's fertile interior became accessible and its great inland lakes were linked to all the seas of the world. Here, from award-winning historian Ralph K. Andrist, is the canal's dramatic and little-told story.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Historical

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1964

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Erie Canal: Well-written Factual History

Overall, a good book. Readers should note that this book, despite the publish date of 2016, was actually first published in 1964 by American Heritage Press, and Mr. Andrist had published other historical books before passing away in 2004. I researched this because I was curious about some of the dated expressions the author used.

These expressions, however, did not take away from the book. It is crammed full of facts concerning the planning, building, years of use, and eventual decay of the Erie Canal and other canals built in the United States, and readers will learn the basic story as well as many of the interesting tidbits of info concerning this era in American history.

I personally enjoyed the back third of the book. For some reason, Mr. Andrist crammed fact after fact in the first two-thirds of the book, telling the story of the conception and building of the Erie Canal while leaving out much of the human element. This made for some dry reading. The last third of the book includes many personal stories of those who worked or traveled on the canal, which was much more engaging. Equally interesting were the descriptions of how different villages were affected (some of which grew up to be large cities).

Bottom Line: If you know nothing or little about the Erie Canal, this is an excellent book. You will learn about the major players involved as well as how the Erie Canal affected the growth of America.

[Studebhawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Erie Canal
American Ingenuity
The idea of building a canal thru the wilderness was preposterous for it’s time. The technical engineering feats required for this period in history were staggering.The ability of such a young country to finance this project was, for it’s time, a major commitment.However, the vision the daring of the American people made this canal possible.
The Erie Canal opened up a path for the development of the west. The trigger of the Erie Canal ignited the westward migration that fueled the expansion and development of our young country. These early Americans dared to think and dream big. I can only hope that Americans today can recapture that spirit and dream big again.

[Othym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and Informative

It's a great history of the canal. If anyone is looking to learn more about the canal and is looking for a clear & concise history, this is the book for you. I definitely recommend it.

[Tom Sells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history

Canals are a great way to travel and move heavy loads of cargo. Rivers are also great for the same purpose. Today we demand speed, so the past fades. That is too bad!

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub; this is my honest review.
-The book is divided in 3 parts: Up to 70% is all about the Erie Canal and the feat of getting it completed, on time, within budget. Then you have about 2% of stories from the people who worked the canals, such as a future U.S.A. president, the Irish, and orphans. Then the last stretch is about other canals built in the U.S.A. after the Erie Canal was such a great success, in between, and afterwards.
-Even though I'm Canadian, I am not too familiar with the Americans' maps or geography. I'm sure I'm not the only one so I Googled the Erie Canal and didn't see much of interest, which is too bad, but a few pictures here and there in the book would have satisfied me.
-The story shows greatly how someone who believes in something will go to the end of the world to accomplish it, even to the detriment of their health.
-I'm glad the workers were strongly applaud, even without their names, but as a group, because they worked hard, many lost their lives, and when upon a problem, they fixed it with ingenuity. They didn't patent anything, nor did they get royalties over it, but they got the job done.
-It was captivating up until the end. You'll find politics, revenge, adventure, happy endings, and many, many problems along the way.
-Since we're right in the COVID-19 lockdown, I was also fascinated by the detailed report on the 1832's epidemic of cholera, that touched Asia, Europe, then North America.
-LOL moment: "He was (the contractor) ... also expected ... to feed them and give them their daily ration of whiskey."
-Health and Safety about the 1st American made locomotive: "Unfortunately, it blew up six months later, fatally injuring the fireman who was sitting on the safety valve to stop the annoying hiss of escaping steam."

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction book is a short history of the Erie Canal, which was arguably the first, most useful, and most profitable canal in the 19th century. I very much enjoyed reading this book.

In the very early 19th century, the Eastern part of the United States was separated from what was then the Western part by the very high bar of the Appalachian Mountains and its associated ranges. However, the state of New York had a waterway that cut through the mountains (the Mohawk) and joined up with the Hudson River, which flows down to the city of New York. Therefore, early proposals were to tame the Mohawk; when that was not possible with the technology of the time, a canal was proposed that would track the Mohawk and then head west for Lake Erie.

The book explains concisely how the canal was conceived, how it was financed and championed by the efforts of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton (died 1828), and how the canal changed both Westward expansion and commerce. Before the end of the canal-building era (about 1855, give or take a few years), many other states financed canals, very few of which were as profitable as the Erie Canal.

Today many of the old canals have been filled in, but the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor covers 524 miles of navigable water from Lake Champlain to the Capital Region and west to Buffalo; the Canal is used mostly by recreational craft, but the canal system is being used more and more by commercial interests.

I very much enjoyed reading this short book, and recommend it to those interested in a bygone era.

[Hank Hoeft · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Erie Canal, by Ralph K. Andrist, is yet another excellent volume in the American Heritage Junior Library. Written for elementary and middle school readers, it is nonetheless written clearly but dense with information, and is, like all books in the American Heritage Junior Library series, lavishly illustrated. It chronicles not just the building and operating of the titular Erie Canal, but it also covers the brief—approximately thirty years, from 1820 to 1850—heyday of the canal system in the early American republic, an era that opened up the western territories and enabled a huge traffic in people and freight before the rise of the steam locomotive and the growth of the phenomenal U.S. railroad system. Everyone knows about the rise of the railroads, but the story of the canals is one that is probably not familiar to most Americans, even those who live in parts of the country the canals used to serve.

Postscript: I have a sizable collection of American Heritage Junior Library books, most of them rescued from the discard piles of libraries or discovered in thrift stores. I love these books—they are consistently well-written and illustrated, and what’s more, they fuel nostalgic pangs from my grade school days in the 1960's, when I first started reading them. But a cursory search on Google and Amazon seems to indicate these excellent books are out of print. That’s a shame, but I hope it’s due to financial considerations, and not because books that celebrate American history have become politically out of fashion to publish.

[Jrobertus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrist creates a fast paced and thoroughly engaging narrative about the Erie Canal. He briefly reviews the historical impetus for it, centering on the need to unite the young nation across the Appalachians. George Washington saw this need and started work on a Potomac path but it was hopeless. Only the Hudson/ Mohawk river system allowed a practical route to the Great Lakes and then on to the new “western” territories of Ohio, Illinois, and beyond. It was the Herculean efforts of DeWitt Clinton that mobilized the state of New York to build the canal and it was a tremendous political struggle before it became an almost unimaginable human struggle to build the longest canal in the world at that time without mechanical power. It was all men and horses! The work itself is described along with the suffering induced by the forested land, swamps, infects, and disease. Despite skepticism the canal eventually paid off and made NYC, not Boston, Baltimore or New Orleans, the biggest and most lucrative port in the nation. It also helped open the Midwest and carried countless families to the fertile new lands.

[Mike Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Verona, NY, just 8 miles from Rome where work on the Erie Canal (Clinton's Folly) began. The grandfather of one of my uncle's worked on the canal towards the end of its towpath days, and my uncle's family lived in Durhamville, through which ran an abandoned section of the original canal (and which kids used for hockey in the winter). Finally, a year ago I participated in the Erie Canal Bicycle tour, an 8 day trip from Buffalo to Albany mostly along the canal. So I guess you'd say I have a life-long interest in the Big Ditch.

Thus, when the Kindle version of this book showed up for sale for a couple of bucks on Amazon, I bought it with modest hope I'd learn something. Boy, did I. The author does an excellent job of detailing the political and financial controversies, DeWitt Clinton's single-minded (not to say obsessive) dedication to completing the canal, and the hard work and ingenuity of all involved (from self-taught engineers to the workers who blazed the trails and dug the canal itself).

Highly recommended if you have an interest in NYS history, the canal period in the early 19th century, or, most especially, the Erie Canal itself.

[Karna Converse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chronological look at how the 363 miles of the Erie Canal were built (1817-1825) and the political controversaries that surrounded it.

The importance of the canal cannot be understated: it opened trade between the East and the West, breached the extensive mountain barrier (Appalachian Mountains) that had divided the country, provided a safe and reliable route for migrants and goods, and helped establish a national identity.

Before the canal: travelers went from one boat on the Hudson River to another boat on the Mohawk River. Then they boarded a wagon to get from Albany to Schenectady. At Little Falls, they had a mile-long portage and then back into the river until it was too shallow. Then, a wagon to ride to Lake Ontario where they took a boat until they got to the Niagara River. Another wagon to Buffalo and then a boat to cross Lake Erie and into the west.

We trace one line of my husband's ancestry to Buffalo, Erie County, New York and wonder: might he have worked on the Erie Canal?

[Claudia Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to home. The old Erie Canal is now beneath The Anthony Wayne Trail in Toledo Ohio

The Erie Canal in Ohio. I first learned about the Erie canal when I was a child. We live near an old canal town, Bra d Rapids, Ohio and the canal ran along the Maumee River from Toledo to Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Fact check this. I'm not 100% sure about that.) There is a restored sawmill on the north shore of the Maumee which includes a canal boat which offers short cruises on a remnant of the canal. The park staff does demonstrations using water power to saw logs and grind flour. As a teacher (now retired), I chauffered my classes through the milk several times. There is a woodworking shop in the mill and all, or at least some, of the equipment is operated by a single lineshaft with leather flat belts and clutches ( for varying rpms of the tools). Enjoyed learning more of the history of the Erie canal system! Thanks to the author(s) for a interesting read.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our ancestors left New England and, for a time, lived on the Erie Canal. I wonder if they were passing through on their way to the Michigan territory, or labored on the building of the canal.

This book gives a detailed account of why and how the canal was built over many obstacles, including physical, financial and political. At the time the project started, America had no engineers with experience in building canals. By the time it was finished, the country had perhaps the most knowledgable and experienced canal builders. The size and complexity of the project was a major technological feat. Once finished the Erie Canal provided a waterway from the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and hence to the rest of the world. It ensured that the port of New York would be the dominate east coast port of the United States and it opened up the western territories to settlers, like my ancestors.

[Kevin McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this book, I was reminded of David McCullough's 'Path Between the Seas' for obvious reasons. Well, this book is nothing like that book. McCullough had a sweeping and broad account of all of the people involved, their histories, personalities, families... what drew them to the project, etc.

'The Erie Canal' at about 100 pages is much more of a summary. Just the facts with a sprinkling of the characters involved (ie. Dewitt Clinton). The idea of and the execution of building this canal and its impact is a very overlooked event in U.S. history. (Much of this is due to the fact that the railroads overtook the Erie usefulness so quickly). It is fascinating to think of the engineering capabilities at the canals modest start in the 1700s up until its completion in 1825.

I enjoyed this book and learned a lot.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, factual account of the history of the Erie Canal. It was a quick read full of interesting information. Unfortunately, the author detoured a little too long detailing the construction of subsequent canals elsewhere. And I longed for more human accounts of the workers and others who made this happen. After living in Fairport NY for 5 years, and frequenting Richardson's Canal House restaurant on occasion, I know that the small private dining rooms there were once used by prostitutes and canal workers back in the day when it was a brothel. I would have liked more human interest information like that in the book.

Overall though, it's a good account of the Erie Canal, and I'm glad that I read it.

[Gary I. Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book gave a detailed account of pre erie canal and erie canal construction and financing, along with the associated politics, particularly with Dewitt Clinton. In addition it gave a fairly good account of the operation, and boats and commerce. However, I gave it the relatively low rating because (1) it did not mention the details of the expansion of the canal, (2) what the canal looks like today, and what remains of it. In addition he wasted many pages and time by wandering off topic to discuss the details of other canals that were built after the success of the Erie Canal. The book should have been called canals in America. A little more could have been said about the development of the towns along the canal.

[James Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening look at a conveyance that had a very short life span. As a boy I heard adults make reference to very poor families that lived “by the towpath”. I retained the belief that the “towpath” meant poverty. As I became older and somewhat familiar with our local “Wabash and Erie Canal” , I became intrigued and read everything I could find on the canal system that connected my home town to Albany, New York and eventually New York City. This manuscript provides the standard history of the canal and seasons it with human elements that put you on the scene in your mind. Excellent read and accurate based on my prior knowledge and it contributed unknown details that I will eventually incorporate into my knowledge base or reject if I disprove their existence.

[Raymond Janis IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of transportation and public works in the United States. There had been no precedent for an undertaking as lofty and risky as the construction of the Erie Canal. Its success was only made possible by immense manpower, brainpower and willpower on behalf of the people of New York State — with a little “Yankee ingenuity” as well. I was deeply moved by the story of De Witt Clinton’s perseverance in completing the canal project in the face of bitter opposition and his wedding of the waters ceremony in New York Harbor.


Using only 140 pages, the author packs a wealth of useful content into this entertaining and important history. Five stars.

[John Calia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “qualified” four-star rating. I live on the Erie Canal in Fairport, just outside Rochester, NY. So, my level of interest might be greater than the average history buff. That said, the book is a well-written digest of the history of the canal from its conception by a visionary during the Revolutionary War to its economic obsolescence in the mid-19th Century. The research is impressive. But it’s the writing that makes the book enjoyable. The author strings together anecdotal information into a saga of the canal and the reaction of people at the time. It’s not only about the canal but also a great insight into American culture in the early 19th Century.

[hayze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised in upstate new york and failed to discover the Erie Canal until a visit near rochester in the early 70's as I was moving out of state.
Enjoyed this book very much as it captured the history of the key players and made me appreciate the controversies and conflict regarding this accomplishment.
Plan to spend some time next summer tracing the canal west to east, armed with context of of the many battle and obstacles overcome.
The books overview of other canals in the east and the competitive relationship with the railroads was also worthwhile.
Had not realized how many politicians, local, state and national played roles in this venture.
Appropriate length for topic.

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about the Erie Canal before I read this book. It's an excellent account of the history of the canal, from the initial concept to the actual building of the canal. Building was donne in three parts, each with its own plan, engineering and construction crews. Lots of details about the culture, terrain and impact of the canal. at 369 miles long, it was a major engineering feat that changed the course of history. I would have liked a better description of the actual canal route, including maps. Overall a great read!

[Sue Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

History from Upstate New York

This is not my usual fair, but I'm from the area near where the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers merge in Saratoga County. My great grandfather was a mule skinner, that pulled the boats and barges through the canal, and I wanted to know more. The building of the canal and the politics of the effort was on par with what we see today. This project was amazing in the foresight to plan and complete it, when manual labor was the standard. But these laborers also used their ingenuity to create the tools and equipment they needed to get the job done.

[Bert Pflegl · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than the canal!

Ralph Andrist's book, 'The Erie Canal', presents a great insight into all of the efforts that took place to conceive of the Erie and Champlain Canal's and then all of the political energies that certain individuals put into making them happen. Without those individuals our nation would have developed in a much different manner and time frame. An excellent book that details the tremendous social and political impacts of this monumental project as well as it's technical achievements. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Mike Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really Enjoyed This Book

In the past I travelled to various towns that bordered the Erie Canal such as Rochester and Syracuse. There were some historical markers near the sites. And my Dad, who was born in Rochester, used to talk about the NY State Barge Canal. So when I saw this book offered on bookbub.com I got. It. And I then learned all about that canal whose sections that I drove past over the years.

[Bob Raleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, no pictures.

Good writing, but let down by no era specific pictures, newspapers, maps, anything that would provide some visual context. I had to be connected to Wikipedia while reading the book. Just to get pictures of canal routes, steam engine history etc. so, probably some better books than this one.

[Eben B. Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than an old song.

The Erie Canal was a bit of elementary school romance. Even for kids who did not live in New York.
Certainly the Erie Canal was and continues to be important history and even present day commerce.
It was fun to read and learn of its development, and that of canals and their role in making this country.
An inexpensive, informative and entertaining read.

[Nate Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't recall what it was, but there was something else I recently reading that drew my attention to the Erie Canal, and that lead me to order this book. It is a quick read, with lots of interesting details without too much minutiae. The book doesn't give any reference material; however, it does weave in plenty of names and locations with the historical context for further research.

[Edward Kettner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great narrative on an interesting topic

This book sets the development of the Erie Canal nicely in its historical context, showing why it was needed, the challenges of building it, and why the era of canals ended so abruptly. A very good read.

[Y T · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's better

There are more thoroughly research'd, more carefully documented, and more thoughtfully reason'd histories of the Erie canal, eg Wedding of the Waters, although I did like the political history here

[Sam Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about the Erie Canal. I would give the book 3.5 stars. Having grown up in western NY state near canal towns, I found this history quite interesting. The author tells the story of the political, financial and engineering challenges in a clear and concise way.

[Russell G Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Times change and with the coming of the Erie canal they changed

Almost beyond belief. Canals had advantages over most other modes of transport, spurring migrants to their destination speedily and economically.