Subject
Erie Canal (N.Y.) Books
Best books
Archer Butler Hulbert
The Great American Canals (Volume 2, The Erie Canal)
"The Great American Canals (Volume 2, The Erie Canal)" by Archer Butler Hulbert is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on the Erie Canal, detailing its conception, construction, and impact on American transportation and commerce. The text likely explores the critical role that the canal played in connecting the eastern states to the western frontiers, as well as its significance in the broader context of American infrastructure development. At the start of the book, the author presents a preface that outlines the major themes to be explored regarding the Erie Canal. The opening portion delves into the early history of the Mohawk Valley as a vital route prior to the canal's construction, noting both Indigenous use and European settlement patterns. Hulbert emphasizes the challenges that existed for transportation, such as the Cohoes Falls that hindered navigation on the Mohawk River. He introduces the early promoters' dreams and ideas surrounding the canal's potential, which ultimately set the stage for its creation as a pivotal American waterway.
Anonymous
History of Steam on the Erie Canal
"History of Steam on the Erie Canal" by Anonymous is a historical account written in the early 1970s. The book examines the development and trials of steam power on the Erie Canal, detailing various steam vessels' designs and performances between the late 1850s and the early 1870s. It explores the challenges faced in the pursuit of adopting steam technology for canal transportation, specifically highlighting mechanical shortcomings and the effectiveness of existing horse-drawn systems. The book presents an in-depth analysis of multiple steam-powered vessels, such as the "Charles Wack", "Cathcart", and "Baxter", evaluating their operational histories and technical specifications while contrasting them with horse-drawn boats. The author systematically chronicles various designs and innovations attempted over the years, emphasizing their inefficiencies and failures. Ultimately, it stresses the need for significant mechanical improvements to make steam-powered vessels competitive with traditional horse-drawn transport, advocating for ongoing support and inventive approaches to enhance steam technology on the canal. The work serves as both an informative resource on a specific historical period and a critique of the technological limitations of steam propulsion in canal transport.
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