In this important work of economic history, A. Barton Hepburn offers a detailed examination of the role that artificial waterways have played in shaping the landscape and economy of the United States. Focusing in particular on the Erie Canal, which transformed the commercial prospects of an entire region, Hepburn offers a comprehensive account of the social, political, and economic forces that drove its creation and expansion. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.