Engraving, "Travelling on the Erie Canal," 1826
THF203758 / Engraving, "Travelling on the Erie Canal," 1826 / detail
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Artifact Overview
The first half of the 19th century was the heyday of canal construction in the United States, opening up new territories to settlement and commerce. The Erie Canal, connecting Albany, New York, with Buffalo, New York, began in 1817 and was completed in 1825. This circa 1835 engraving illustrates a packet boat traveling the canal.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Date Made
circa 1835
Subject Date
1826
Creator Notes
Engraved by Peter Maverick, original artwork likely done by Henry Inman
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
82.129.200
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Technique
Copper engraving (Printing process)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 3.5 in
Width: 5.813 in
Inscriptions
Description beneath: View entitled "Travelling on the Erie Canal"./ Copperplate./ Date: about 1835.
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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.