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Erie Canal

When the canal was first proposed in 1809, President Thomas Jefferson did not approve of its construction. Later, New York City Mayor DeWitt Clinton worked very hard for the United States Government's approval and funding of the canal. He realized the need to make it easier for settlers wanting to move west of the Appalachian Mountains. He wanted to offer a cheap, reliable and faster way to transport goods.

The Erie Canal at its busiest period.
In 1817, now Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton was still trying to get the United States Government to approve the canal. When President James Madison rejected the canal, Governor Clinton did not give up. He got the approval and money from the New York State government. People who did not see the use for a canal and thought it a ridiculous idea nicknamed the canal "Clinton's Ditch" or "Clinton's Folly." A folly is a foolish act or idea.
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