Final answer:
The Erie Canal took eight years to construct, from its charter in 1817 to its opening in 1825, which revolutionized transportation and commerce in America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Erie Canal was a significant project in the history of American transportation. It was chartered in 1817 and officially opened in 1825, taking a total of eight years to complete. This canal connected Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River, facilitating commerce and contributing to westward expansion in the United States.