The construction of the Erie Canal was a key event in the U.S. Expansion Westward, enhancing trade and migration.

The construction of the Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was a pivotal event in the U.S. Expansion Westward. By linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River, the canal provided a direct water route from the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. This made transportation of goods like grain, coal, and timber much more efficient, driving economic growth and encouraging westward migration. The canal played a major role in connecting eastern cities with new settlements in the Midwest, fueling America's growth and shaping the nation’s development during the 19th century.