Ohio and Erie Canal, Transportation canal in Cuyahoga County, United States
The Ohio and Erie Canal is a waterway stretching through Ohio that connects Lake Erie at Cleveland with the Ohio River at Portsmouth. The system includes multiple locks built into the ground to help boats navigate changes in elevation.
Construction began in 1825 when Irish and German immigrants hand-dug the waterway, connecting Cleveland to Akron by 1827. This project represented one of the largest infrastructure undertakings of its time in America.
The canal shaped surrounding communities by enabling local farmers to sell their goods at distant markets and revitalized regional commerce. Its arrival in different towns marked the beginning of new economic opportunities for residents.
The canal can be explored on foot or by bicycle along paths that run alongside the water. Many sections are easily accessible with multiple entry points for visitors of different abilities.
The locks were engineering marvels of their time, allowing boats to overcome elevation changes of dozens of feet. Some of these original structures still stand and demonstrate the durability of the early engineering work.
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