"This fascinating book, based on current research, scrutinizes the Erie Canal and the pivotal role it played in shaping the economic, geographic, and political growth of New York State. Explores the planning, building, and success of this historic canal. Demonstrates how existing towns expanded and new towns grew along the canal. The text provides students with a hands-on look at how the canal was built, the impact it had on commerce, how people use it today, and its far-reaching influence on the development of New York State. Primary sources, photographs, and maps help readers grasp the significance of the canal and how it helped shape New York State and the country"--Provided by the publisher.

Title proper from title frame. Includes index. Includes chronologies. Includes glossary. "Rosen Learning Center.". "Rosen Digital.". Lesson plans and assessments included. Navigation tool bar includes audio narration, text highlighting by word or sentence, and automatic or manual page turn.

Opening up the West - Clinton's Ditch - Hard labor - Bridges and locks - Historic Lockport - Open for business - Clinton's "Grand Canal" - The canal age - "Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal" - The Erie Canal today.