2.  Is was a waterway consisting of 363 miles and
36 locks.
 Connected eastern seaboard to the Great Lakes.
 One of most important civil engineering feats.

3.  The success of other British canals led to the
building of the Erie Canal.
 There was a need to connect the eastern
seaboard to the Great lakes.
 This led to the construction.

4.  It allowed goods to be shipped faster and more
efficiently.
 Connects many important water ports to each
other.
 Helped strengthen the economy in the north.