Erie Canal Completion Medal, 1826
THF101216 / Erie Canal Completion Medal, 1826 / front
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Artifact Overview
The Erie Canal crossed the state of New York, opening a water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. This medal commemorated the canal's completion in 1825.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Medal
Date Made
1826
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Archibald Robertson, engraved by Charles Cushing Wright and struck by Sir Edward Thomason's factory in Birmingham, England.
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
00.3.15822
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
White metal
Technique
Stamping (Forming)
Color
Silver (Color)
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.188 in
Inscriptions
Stamped on obverse, encircling outer edge: ERIE CANAL COMMENCED 4 JULY 1817 COMPLETED 26 OCT. R 1825 / THOMASON
Interior obverse, on banner: EXCELSIOR
Verso, encirclign outer edge: UNION OF ERIE WITH THE ATLANTIC
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Related Content
SetAmerica's Canal Era
- 34 Artifacts
In the early 19th century, Americans looked to canals for transportation. Artificial waterways carried people and goods over long distances with minimal power, extending water-borne commerce from seaports to inland communities. But canals were expensive to build and maintain, and floods, droughts and freezing weather interfered with operations. Railroads offered a better alternative and brought an end to America's canal era.