alternatehistory.com

The Erie Canal was one of the great engineering and construction marvels of the early 19th century and helped expand trade to the growing Midwest. For much of the country's early history the canals were the Interstates of their day, before they were overshadowed by the railroads.

WI the idea had been carried into the American West? Suppose, for some reason or another, the railroad came later and Western rivers (such as the Colorado or perhaps the Platte?) became the basis for Western canals? Given the difference in terrain (not to mention hostile Native Americans and desert conditions further West) could such a canal system have been built and even been profitable?
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