Description
This address in New York City in 1885 was a call urging the state of New York to maintain and improve the Erie Canal. The author claims that the canal is one of the greatest innovations in New York’s history and has led to its growth and development making New York City a trading hub. The author also addresses the relationship between railroads and canals.
Full Transcript of an Address to State of New York to Improve and Maintain the Erie Canal
Transcribed Excerpts from an Address to State of New York to Improve and Maintain the Erie Canal
Source-Dependent Questions
- How does the author support the idea that improving the Erie Canal will also improve the railroads?
- What effect does the author say the Erie Canal has had on New York? On the Mississippi Valley?
- The author has written a lot about the relationship between canals and railroads. Compare this address to the "New York Canals" newspaper article. How did the newspaper article characterize the relationship between the Erie canal and railroads? What differences are presented 36 years later in this address?
- Citing evidence from the text, do you think O.B. Potter believes that canals and railroads can coexist? If you were listening to Potter, would you be convinced by his argument? What questions would you ask to challenge his opinion?
Citation Information
Potter, O.B., "Importance of improving and maintaining the Erie canal by the state of New York without and from the general government. Address of O. B. Potter at a public meeting held in New York City, December 29, 1885," 29 December 1885. Courtesy of Library of Congress