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What was the purpose of the Erie Canal?

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The effect of the canal was immediate and dramatic. Settlers poured into western New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Goods were transported at one-tenth the previous fee in less than half the time. Barges of farm produce and raw materials traveled east, as manufactured goods and supplies flowed west. In nine years, tolls had paid back the cost of construction. Later enlarged and deepened, the canal survived competition from the railroads in the latter part of the 19th century. Today, the Erie Canal is used mostly by pleasure boaters, but it is still capable of accommodating heavy barges. Hope this helps! Have an amazing day! ❤️
User Mayo
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Answer: It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Built in 1825 (5 years before the railroad) the Erie Canal was a proposed way to both quickly and effectively transport goods without the use of pack animals. It span from the Eastern Seaboard to the Western interior of the United States and was used up until the major constructions of railroads

User Byakugan
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