Story of America's Canals: Connecting a Continent

At the beginning of the 19th century, only 100 miles of canal had been built in the U.S.; by the century s end, Americans had constructed some 4,000 miles of waterways. The canal played an indispensable role in opening up trade & supply lines, especially to the communities west of the Allegheny Mountains. This book colorfully describes the people & technology behind the great canal boom, & goes on to explore the story of man-made waterways in 20th-century America. Illustrated by some 40 carefully chosen black & white illustrations. Includes a glossary & bibliography.