You are now entering the 1800's. In that time it was hardto get east and west with no vehicles. The Hudson River ran from Northand South. That leaves one choice. Horses. Who knows how many times you'dhave to stop. I mean the horse has to eat and sleep just like you do (Onthe other hand you could pack oats, blankets, and food and the horse cango about his business.)

The main purpose for the canal was to provide better transportationfrom east to west. As a result many towns and cities were built aroundthe other canals. So now, it became easier to travel east and west. TheErie Canal is connected to three other canals, Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain,and Oswego canals. DeWitt Clinton was the main brain behind the canal idea.He wanted a canal so he got men to work on it. Very smart man!