"The building of the Erie Canal was a watershed moment in the modernization of the United States. Often considered a waste of time, Clinton's Ditch eventually proved to everyone that more efficient transportation was sure to revolutionize industry and the country itself. In this volume, readers are presented with numerous primary sources, including portraits, maps, paintings, and engineering diagrams. These primary sources help readers gain a better understanding of the era and building project. They also strengthen readers' ability to analyze and discuss . . . sources from the past"--Provided by publisher.
