The Erie Canal is a man-made waterway in New York State that connects the Hudson River to Lake Erie. Completed in 1825, it spans about 363 miles and was built to facilitate trade and transportation. The canal played a crucial role in the economic development of the region by allowing goods to be transported more efficiently between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. The construction of the Erie Canal significantly reduced travel time and costs for shipping. It helped cities like Buffalo and Rochester grow rapidly as commercial hubs. Today, the canal is used for recreational boating and tourism, while also serving as a reminder of America's engineering achievements in the 19th century.