Economic history of the United States
The 325-mile Erie Canal, which connected Albany, New York, on the Hudson River with Buffalo, New York, on Lake Erie, began operation in 1825. Wagon cost from Buffalo to New York City in 1817 was 19.2 cents per ton-mile. By Erie Canal c. 1857 to 1860 the cost was 0.81 cents. The Erie Canal was a great commercial success and had a large regional economic impact.
Long Level
The Long Level was a section on the old Erie Canal, extending from Frankfort, New York westward to Syracuse, New York. The flat topography of this area meant that this section of the canal required no lockage. Initial construction on the Erie Canal was begun on this section at Rome, New York on July 4, 1817.