Today, people hike the Appalachian mountains for fun.

But to have those mountains be the only thing between you and being able to find buyers for your goods, and feed your family, would make them the subject of a less found emotion.

That was the case up until 1825 when a 363 canal was dug from upstate New York to the Great Lakes.

Now, in one continuous boat journey, goods could be transported at a 95% reduction in cost.

The canal itself cost $7 million but the toll revenue covered the state’s construction debt within the first year.

The canal became well loved, even finding itself the subject of a ballad when improvements had to be made.