The document summarizes the key events and features of the Erie Canal, including its proposed dates from 1768-1808, ground breaking in 1817, and completion in 1825 under Governor Dewitt Clinton. It connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, rising 568 feet through 18 aqueducts and 83 locks, and was 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide to offer a cheap way to transport goods across the Appalachian Mountains and settle the western lands.

1. THE ERIE CANAL
Beginning to End

2. TIMELINE OF EVENTS
First proposed in 1768
Proposed 1808
Ground Broke 1817
Completed 1825

3. THE MAN BEHIND THE
SCENE
Governor Dewitt Clinton
Broke Ground July 4, 1817
Erie Canal is also known as “Clinton’s Big Ditch”

4. PURPOSE
Make land west of the Applachian Mountain available
to settlers
To offer a cheap and safe way to carry goods

5. FEATURES
18 aqueducts
83 locks
a rise of 568 ft from Hudson River to Lake Erie
4 ft deep
40 ft wide
10ft wide towpath

6. REFERENCE
http://www.eriecanal.org/