The Pennsylvania Canal was a system of interconnected waterways built in the early 19th century to facilitate transportation and trade across the state of Pennsylvania. It included several major routes, such as the Main Line of Public Works, which linked the Delaware River to the Ohio River. The canal system played a crucial role in the economic development of the region by allowing goods to be transported more efficiently. Construction of the canal began in the 1820s, and it was completed in the 1850s. However, the rise of railroads in the late 19th century led to a decline in canal usage. Today, remnants of the Pennsylvania Canal can still be seen, serving as historical sites and recreational areas.