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DeWitt Clinton

The Erie Canal, New York City, and Democratic Government

June 19, 2017 by James S. Kaplan 1 Comment

Erie Canal
Along the Erie Canal, Buffalo, N.Y. (No. M 71, Buffalo News Co., Buffalo, N.Y.) courtesy ErieCanal.org

On July 4, 1817, at Rome, New York on a site now occupied by the Worthington Industries Steel plant, there was a ceremony allegedly turning the first spade of earth on the construction of the Erie Canal, one of the most important public works projects in history.

As we approach the Bicentennial of the Canal’s construction, we would do well to better understand this history and its importance. On July 2, 2017 there will be a march through Lower Manhattan sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Historical Association celebrating this event. [Read more…] about The Erie Canal, New York City, and Democratic Government

Filed Under: Events, History Tagged With: DeWitt Clinton, Erie Canal, New York City, New York Harbor, Transportation History

The Erie Canal Marks A 200th Anniversary

May 16, 2016 by Craig Williams 6 Comments

aqueduct bridge at rochesterOn May 17, 1816, the State’s Canal Commissioners met in New York City. This was their first meeting since being reauthorized by the legislature on April 17th, just a few weeks earlier. Five commissioners were appointed by the legislature – Stephen Van Rensselaer, DeWitt Clinton, Samuel Young, Joseph Ellicott and Myron Holley. Several of them had been canal commissioners since 1810. During that period they had surveyed much of the route in person and had kept the dream of the waterway alive during the intervening dismal years of war on their frontier (War of 1812). At the May 17th meeting the commissioners initiated actions that ensured that construction of the Erie Canal would begin a year later. [Read more…] about The Erie Canal Marks A 200th Anniversary

Filed Under: History Tagged With: DeWitt Clinton, Erie Canal, Genesee River, Political History, Transportation History

Erie Canal Funding Challenged In Court

August 10, 2015 by Bruce Dearstyne 4 Comments

groundbreakingThe State Canal Corporation has announced the 10th annual “Canal Splash” for August 7 – 15. It is mostly to promote the recreational possibilities of the canal system but some of the events along the canalways will focus on history and culture. “Celebrate the history, culture, recreational appeal, and beauty of the New York State Canal System and Erie Canalway Trail during the 10 days of Canal Splash!” says its website. The celebration is a high point in the ongoing work of promoting the canal. [Read more…] about Erie Canal Funding Challenged In Court

Filed Under: History Tagged With: DeWitt Clinton, Erie Canal, Legal History, Political History, Thomas Dewey, Transportation History

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