Two hundred years ago, DeWitt Clinton embarked on a canal boat by the shores of Lake Erie, marking the beginning of a new era.
On this maiden voyage, Clinton's vessel, the Seneca Chief, traveled from Buffalo to Albany and then down the Hudson River to New York City, culminating in a ceremonial event on Nov. 4.
"the Wedding of the Waters"
This event was a significant milestone, earning the Erie Canal its place as a National Historic Monument and inspiring future generations, including a young Abraham Lincoln.
The Erie Canal's legacy is a testament to its impact on America's development, with Lincoln aspiring to become "the DeWitt Clinton of Illinois."
The Erie Canal transformed America 200 years ago.