CLINTON
DeWitt Clinton was a member of the state government and was a great aid to the Erie Canal. He set the notion about a canal that would run through New York and benefit the country. His idea had soon flourished, as the canal was extended and brought much success.
- Was American senator and 6th governor of New York
- Largely responsible for construction of Erie Canal
- Managed to convince the legislature for the provision of $7,000 for construction
- Often referred to as "Father of the Erie Canal"
- Sometimes sarcastically called Clinton's Big Ditch
- Also sponsored the Champlain-Hudson Canal, which was another canal in New York
- He proposed the original idea of a canal through New York
- Was a member of the Erie Canal Commission, which was set to explore the best route for the canal
- Opposed by rival Martin Van Buren, who was the attorney general of New York and the man who opposed the canal idea