CONSTRUCTION
The Erie Canal was constructed in a splendid design. Although construction began in New York, the canal was soon extended not only to the Atlantic Ocean, but also to the Great Lakes. It is quite important to note that several difficulties, such as natural conflicts, had to be dealt with and faced during the creation.
- Construction began July 4, 1817 in Rome, New York.
- Proposed in 1808 and was completed in 1825 inside New York.
- Was 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide
- Established that it was officially 363 feet long
- Descent from Lake Erie was 555 feet deep
- Huge controversy after completion on who should receive credit for proposal and construction ideas
- Eliminating trees in a virgin forest delayed the construction and completion of the canal
- Clearing and moving dirt also posed a setback to the construction
- Inexperience of crews sometimes led to disasters, such as rocks falling on infrastructure.