Erie Canal

the most important artificial water-course in the United States. Its construction was conceived by De Witt Clinton in 1812 and begun as a State work in 1817, being completed in 1825. It extends 363 miles through New York State, through what was, at the time of its commencement, a wilderne , from the Hudson River at Albany and Troy to Lake Erie at Buffalo. Clinton had at first intended it should be a national enterprise, and from the interest he displayed, he was deputed with others tolay the plan before the General Government, but without succe . It was executed instead as a State work, chiefly during his Gov-: ernorship of New York. It contributed enormously to the development of the West and of the trade prosperity of New York City and State. Property along the canal has increased enormously and the tolls have been a valuable addition to the State revenue.