The Erie Canal as "psychic highway"
Construction on the Erie Canal started this month 200 years ago. And though it might seem like a big deal now, it was one of the most important developments in the history of New York State, especially upstate.
Jack Kelly -- the author of Heaven's Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal -- will be at the Shaker Heritage Society in Latham July 19 to talk about some the effects of the waterway that spanned the state:
The Erie Canal was one of the most impressive engineering feats in American history. It connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Midwest, not only economically, but spiritually as well. It has been referred to as a "psychic highway," providing a means for the exchange of ideas. The suffrage and abolitionist movements were bolstered by this new connection. New religions were founded and an entire population was waiting to be converted. Join author and historian Jack Kelly for a discussion and book signing of his newest book, Heaven's Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal.
The talk starts at 7 pm on Wednesday, July 19. Admission is $5.
The Shaker Heritage Society is at 25 Meeting House Road in Colonie near ALB.
Earlier:
+ "Surely the water of this canal must be the most fertilizing of all fluids..."
+ Tracing the old canal
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Comments
I read the book and heard Kelly speak when he was in the area previously. I recommend both. The book was an interesting fun take on the building of the Erie Canal and an interesting period of New York State history.
... said Anita on Jul 13, 2017 at 8:32 PM | link