<P> The Erie Canal is a canal in New York that is part of the east -- west , cross-state route of the New York State Canal System ( formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal ) . Originally , it ran 363 miles ( 584 km ) from Albany , on the Hudson River , to Buffalo , at Lake Erie . It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes . When completed in 1825 , it was the second longest canal in the world ( after the Grand Canal in China ) and greatly affected the development and economy of New York , New York City , and the United States . </P>
<P> The Erie Canal is a canal in New York that is part of the east -- west , cross-state route of the New York State Canal System ( formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal ) . Originally , it ran 363 miles ( 584 km ) from Albany , on the Hudson River , to Buffalo , at Lake Erie . It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes . When completed in 1825 , it was the second longest canal in the world ( after the Grand Canal in China ) and greatly affected the development and economy of New York , New York City , and the United States . </P>
what was the major purpose in building the erie canal
what was the major purpose in building the erie canal
create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes
create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes