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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

Why build a canal?

  1. Load Inventory of the boat Equal Rights of Lysander; Charles Pelton, master, November 16, 1842 in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load Inventory of the boat Equal Rights of Lysander; Charles Pelton, master, November 16, 1842 in Main Image Viewer
  3. Load Inventory of the boat Equal Rights of Lysander; Charles Pelton, master, November 16, 1842 in Main Image Viewer
  4. Load Inventory of the boat Equal Rights of Lysander; Charles Pelton, master, November 16, 1842 in Main Image Viewer
  5. Load Plans for the West Troy weigh lock house, 1850 in Main Image Viewer
  6. Load Passenger list for the canal boat Huntington of the Troy and Erie Line in Main Image Viewer
  7. Load Passenger list for the canal boat Huntington of the Troy and Erie Line in Main Image Viewer
  8. Load Passenger list for the canal boat Huntington of the Troy and Erie Line in Main Image Viewer
  9. Load Broadside. "Erie & Junction Canal Directory," 1828 in Main Image Viewer
  10. Load Passenger ticket, August 9, 1837 in Main Image Viewer
  11. Load Passenger ticket, August 9, 1837 in Main Image Viewer
  12. Load Passenger ticket, August 9, 1837 in Main Image Viewer
  13. Load Passenger ticket, August 9, 1837 in Main Image Viewer
  14. Load Passenger ticket, August 9, 1837 in Main Image Viewer
  15. Load Notice distributed by the New York State Comptroller's Office, Albany, July 25, 1836 in Main Image Viewer
  16. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  17. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  18. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  19. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  20. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  21. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  22. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  23. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  24. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  25. Load Travel journal of Clarissa Burroughs, 1835 in Main Image Viewer
  26. Load Photograph of the Rochester weigh lock building, c. 1870 in Main Image Viewer
  27. Load Broadside. "Packet Boat, and Rail-Road Arrangement," 1834 in Main Image 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 locate and name at least five towns and four cities along the canal, and identify major products shipped using the canal.