The building of the Erie Canal was a watershed moment in the modernization of the United States. Often considered a waste of time, "Clinton's Ditch" eventually proved to everyone that more efficient transportation was sure to revolutionize industry and the country itself. In this volume, readers are presented with numerous primary sources, including portraits, maps, paintings, and engineering diagrams. These primary sources help readers gain a better understanding of the era and building project. They also strengthen readers' ability to analyze and discuss important sources from the past. Sidebars encourage readers to ask and answer questions about the primary sources as they learn why the Erie Canal was a major turning point in U.S. history.