Question

How did the Erie Canal transform the economy of New York and the Great Lakes region? (19th century)

Answer 1

Background InformationThe Erie Canal is a located in New York that was completed in the year 1825. Originally, it ran 363 miles (584 km).

When constructed in 1825, its cost was less than $7 million. However, it created thousands of jobs.

After two centuries, the canal still plays a dominant role in the economy of New York and the Great Lakes region. ECT is a picnic area and people like to eat, stay, shop, and visit attractions in the historic towns and villages along the length of the canal.

Tourism of ECT contributes massive revenue due to the beauty of the landscape, history of the canal, and the proximity of numerous related historic communities and sites.

The construction of ECT in the year 1825 has transformed the economy of New York and the Great Lakes region.

ECT's tourism generates/ contributes sales revenue of nearly $250 million, labor income of $78 million, 3,500 jobs and $28.5 million in the form of taxes. ECT has 1.5 million visits every year.

Findings of latest study conducted in the year 2018

By providing more than 3,400 jobs and generating sales revenue of $253 million, the ECT is clearly an important contributor in lifting the economy of New York and the Great Lakes region. Approximately 95% of the visitors to the ECT hail from 35 counties surrounding the ECT. Consequently, ECT is an important contributor to quality of life to more than 201 communities living along its length.