Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources: History of Ohio's Canals
History of Ohio canals including Miami-Erie Canal and Ohio-Erie Canal.
University of Richmond
American Panorama: Canals: 1820 1860
Interactive map depicting the system of canals in the U.S. prior to the Civil War. Select by canal to see interesting details, a map and get a sense of goods traded and travel in antebellum America.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams: Domestic Affairs
John Quincy Adams did not have any easy time as president. Read about his dreams for the nation, and what really was implemented.
Other
Ohio Dept. Of Education: Lesson Plan: Transportation Systems Grade Four
For this lesson unit, students learn about transportation systems, including the Great Lakes canal system, and how modes of transportation has changed over time with advancements in technology. There is a large student research component...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Transportation in America Before 1876
In 1800, the United States was made up of 16 states, all east of the Appalachians, and most people lived within 50 miles of the Atlantic. Oceans and rivers were the nations' highways, providing the only viable way to travel long...
University of Richmond
American Panorama: Canals
Excellent resource maps the growth of canals and economic development in the nineteenth-century by presenting data about the commodities and products that moved across the canals and shows the spaces that canals connected.
Other
New York State Canals: The Erie Canal a Brief History
This illustrated history of the Erie Canal begins with the original idea to its impact after its completion.
Digital History
Digital History: Accelerating Transportation
A thorough look at the transportation revolution that occured in the early 1800s. Read about the building of roads, canals, and the spread of railroads. Find out about the surprising opposition to improved transportation, and see how...
Digital History
Digital History: Conquering Space
A good review of how the rise of nationalism led to western expansion, support for federal funds to build infrastructure, and the protection of new American industry.
Other
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Information regarding the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Provides many maps, pictures, and historical accounts.
Other
Canal Archive: Bridging the Years
Bridging the Years explores the creation of Britain's first commercial waterway, the Bridgewater Canal, and the construction of the Manchester Ship canal over 100 years later. Stories, multimedia clips, a timeline, and numerous maps are...
Other
The Erie Canal: Clinton's Big Ditch
Overview of the Erie Canal from its initial proposal to its completion.
Other
Clemson University: British Industrial Revolution
Lecture notes for a class on the Industrial Revolution provide an overview of the transition of the British economy from a predominantly agricultural one to an industrial society.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: Surf Your Watershed
This resource provides information on watersheds, maps, activities, and links to local watershed information.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Canal Era
See how the building of canals in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio not only opened up the west by making travelling easier and joining western territories to northern states, but also transformed cities from small burgs to major...
Other
Illinois and Michigan Canal: A Corridor in Time
Online history of the Illinois and Michigan canal.
Read Works
Read Works: The Sinking City
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about an idea that might keep the city of Venice, Italy from sinking. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
City of Winchester: The Middlesex Canal 1793 1853
This site offers the history of the Middlesex Canal that connected Boston to the Merrimack River at Lowell. Take some time to check the excellent links as well.
Other
James Brindley: Canal Engineer & Builder
A biography of the famous English canal builder and designer.
Andre Dollinger
Reshafim.org: Canals
Presented textual evidence as resources on the functions of ancient Egyptian canals, this website offers a timeline of events and a map of the canals.
Other
Rochester Images: The Erie Canal
A collection of digitized images that reflect the time and life on the Erie Canal.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Lakes, Rives, & Canals
This site provides a brief introduction to the river system and canals of Ohio. Includes a history of the canal system, details and maps of the drainage throughout the state, and how the river systems are used today.
Other
Encyclopedia and Guide to Manchester: The Bridgewater Canal
A history of the Bridgewater Canal built in 1760 and which was "the forerunner of all modern canals". The canal connected coal mines found in Worsley with Manchester England. By clicking on the names you will get biographical details.
Other
American Almanac: The Chinese Model for America's Canals
This site contains information pertaining to the signifigance of the canals in developing new settlements.