Final answer:
The name of the waterway is the Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. It was an important transportation route in the 19th century, leading to increased trade and economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the 363-mile waterway connecting the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean is the Erie Canal.
Constructed in the early 19th century, the Erie Canal was an important transportation route that allowed for the efficient movement of goods and people between the Midwest and the East Coast. It dramatically reduced shipping costs and travel time, leading to increased trade and economic growth.
Some important cities along the Erie Canal include Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse.