University:
Arizona State University
Course:
HST 200 | Historical Themes
Academic year:

2024
Views:

213

Pages:

1
Author:

Thuyoul US

CANALS AND ROADS A crucial aspect of the transportation revolution included the extensive construction of turnpikes and highways. The Cumberland Road, a national highway that connected thousands of people to lllinois from Maryland, saw the start of construction in 1811. This crucial route to the West was financed by the federal government, which started the process of building a transportation network for the advantage of farmers and settlers. Turnpikes were constructed by other organizations, yet they still required payments to use. For example, turnpike corporations were created in New York State, resulting in a huge rise in the number of state roadways from one thousand in 1810 to four thousand by 1820. New York set the standard for turnpike construction. During the first part of the nineteenth century, canal craze gripped the country. Proponents were aware that these man-made rivers may result in significant time and cost savings for passengers. Even little canals, like the 2.5-mile canal that circumnavigates the Ohio River's rapids close to Louisville, Kentucky, proved to be enormous advancements-in this instance, providing a waterway connecting Pittsburgh with New Orleans. The Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Valley to the Hudson River and, by extension, New York City and the Atlantic coast, was the prime example. With its strategic position, expansive harbor, and Hudson River access to the hinterland, New York City was already the hub of business. Nevertheless, the city's business owners were concerned about falling behind their rivals in Baltimore and Philadelphia. The idea of building a waterway to connect the city's Hudson River to Lake Erie and markets in the West emerged from their pursuit of economic benefit. The Erie Canal was the outcome. The state of New York chartered the canal in 1817, and it took seven years to finish. It shortened the time it took to go to the West and significantly reduced shipping costs when it opened in 1825. More than $200 million in today's currency, or $15 million worth of products, were soon being moved annually over the 363-mile river: