Assembly Resolution No. 706

BY: M. of A. McDonald

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the
completion of the Erie Canal

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
events of historical significance which have had a profound effect on
the development of the State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal;
and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal was constructed between July 4, 1817, and
October 26, 1825, and was a monumental engineering feat of its time; the
Canal was initially facilitated under Governor DeWitt Clinton who is
known as the "Father of the Erie Canal"; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal was a monumental challenge due to its
engineering complexity; workers faced difficult terrain, poor working
conditions, and harsh weather; and

WHEREAS, This unrivaled marvel featured locks, allowing boats to
navigate elevation changes, and aqueducts, allowing the Canal to pass
over rivers and streams; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal traverses east to west through Upstate New
York as part of the cross-state route of the New York State Canal
System; it was built to create a navigable water route for the transport
of goods across New York State from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great
Lakes Basin, originally stretching for 363 miles from the Hudson River
in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was the second-longest
canal in the world and greatly enhanced the development and economy of
many major cities of the State of New York; the Canal revolutionized
trade, significantly lowering transportation costs and enabling farmers
and merchants to access international markets; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal facilitated settlement and trade which
accelerated population growth in Upstate New York after its completion;
it spurred the economic development of New York City, which became the
dominant port in the United States, as goods moved more efficiently
through the canal system; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Erie Canal inspired the construction of
other canals domestically and internationally, promoting the development
of canal systems worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Today, instead of shipping barges in view, canoes, kayaks,
and tour boats can often be found on the beloved waterway, and residents
and visitors enjoy walking or running along the towpath which follows
the Erie Canal for 340 miles; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal remains a symbol of New York State's
historical significance and is used for recreational boating, tourism,
and still some freight transport as part of the New York State Canal
System; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Little Falls Historical Society and Museum.