The Miami and Erie Canal is a historic waterway in Ohio, constructed between 1825 and 1845. It was designed to connect the Great Lakes to the Ohio River, facilitating trade and transportation. The canal stretches approximately 274 miles, running from Cincinnati in the south to Toledo in the north. The canal played a crucial role in the economic development of Ohio, allowing goods to be transported more efficiently. Although it was officially closed to commercial traffic in the 1920s, parts of the canal have been preserved and are now used for recreational activities, such as boating and hiking.