alternatehistory.com

image.png The Erie Canal connects the Great Lakes (Lake Erie) to the Hudson River, which leads into New York City. This made it possible for a ship to sail from New York City to Chicago.

First started in 1817, and completed in 1825 (although use started between New York and Albanay in 1821), it was considered a huge accomplishment for the United States.

Plans were made for a canal to be build from Chicago (Lake Michigan) to the Illinois River, which connects to the Mississippi River. The distance would have been much shorter then the Erie Canal and much easier to build. It was just flat plains.

Because of this, this was never a problem to travel. And by the time Chicago was growing into a major city, railroads were spreading.

What if the Michigan Canal was built? It would then be possible to sail from Chicago to New Orleans. Passing major cities such as St. Louis and Memphis.

Maybe if railroads are postponed, could the Michigan canal be possible?
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