re: #270 caseyjr

The canal boat culture thrived for 100 years and then passed away completely, leaving a few folk songs and poorly-remebered anecdotes. But it was the engineering marvel and a boon to commerce in its day.

I’m rereading What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 and the author spends a lot of time talking about how significant the Erie Canal was.

(It’s a very good book for anyone interested.)