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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

Where is the best place to build a canal?

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  1. Load Physical Map of New York State in Main Document Viewer
  2. Load Photo of Mohawk Valley in Main Document Viewer
  3. Load Map showing "Communication Between Albany and Oswego," 1772 in Main Document Viewer
  4. Load Engraving of a Durham Boat and a Bateau on the Mohawk River, 1810 in Main Document Viewer
  5. Load Bill for 1 new three-handed bateau, 3 oars, 4 poles, 3 paddles, 4 pikes, and 1 skoop, 1792 in Main Document Viewer
  6. Load Return of inventory of Stores and Impliments belonging to the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company State of New York at Fort Schuyler the fifteenth day of August, 1796 in Main Document Viewer
  7. Load Return of inventory of Stores and Impliments belonging to the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company State of New York at Fort Schuyler the fifteenth day of August, 1796 in Main Document Viewer
  8. Load Letter from George Huntington to General Philip Schuyler, Rome, July 14, 1803. in Main Document Viewer
  9. Load "Eleven Men Dug in Two Days," c. 1793 in Main Document Viewer
  10. Load New Line Poster for Stage Boat Transportation, 1815 in Main Document Viewer
  11. Load New Line Poster for Stage Boat Transportation, 1815 in Main Document Viewer
  12. Load New Line Poster for Stage Boat Transportation, 1815 in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

 

 New York State played an important role in the growth of the United States. During the 1800s, people traveled west looking for opportunities. Economic activities in New York State are varied and have changed over time, with improvements in transportation and technology.In order to connect the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean, the Erie Canal was built. Existing towns expanded and new towns grew along the canal. New York City became the busiest port in the country.

 Students will examine the physical features of New York State and determine where it might be easiest to build a canal, and form a hypothesis about the best location. Students will compare their hypothesis with the actual location of the Erie Canal.

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