Changes

The Erie Canal was enlarged several times and became part of a large system of canals. In 1918, it was absorbed into the New York State Barge Canal, an enormous project which involved moving more earth than the Panama Canal. The New York State Barge Canal was operated through 1951 and was of great economic importance, but became displaced by the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

The Erie Canal was enlarged several times and became part of a large system of canals. In 1918, it was absorbed into the New York State Barge Canal, an enormous project which involved moving more earth than the Panama Canal. The New York State Barge Canal was operated through 1951 and was of great economic importance, but became displaced by the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

It was funded entirely without federal funds.  When President Thomas Jefferson was petitioned to approve funding, he refused.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ysi1GcK3OmMC&pg=PA224 The American Past: A Survey of American History, Volume I: To 1877]</ref>

It was funded entirely without federal funds.  When President Thomas Jefferson was petitioned to approve funding, he refused.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ysi1GcK3OmMC&pg=PA224 The American Past: A Survey of American History, Volume I: To 1877]</ref>