The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.50
On View
Not on viewThe 1825 medal: Completion of Erie Canal Celebrated
The entire length of the 363-mile Erie Canal was completed in October, 1825, from Buffalo at Lake Erie to Albany at the Hudson River. State-wide celebrations of the event began on October 26 when the 'Seneca Chief' of Buffalo began its trip East. On board were DeWitt Clinton and other prominent men.
All along the route cannons placed at regular intervals were fired to telegraph the news of the canal's completion. At every place of consequence there were speeches and celebrations. By the time Clinton transferred to the 'Washington' for the New York City festivities, the 'Seneca Chief' was leading a procession of boats.
On November 4 a crowd aboard a flotilla of lavishly decorated vessels in New York harbor witnessed the "wedding of the waters." A keg of Lake Erie water was poured into the Atlantic. Dr. Samuel Latham Mitchill added vials of water from the world's great rivers. Clinton made his address of dedication and Cadwallader Colden presented his memoir of the canal celebration. Salutes were fired and the fleet returned to the city where a huge parade was held. On her return trip the 'Seneca Chief' carried a keg of Atlantic water to be poured into Lake Erie.
The pagentry was imposing; the results of the canal were greater. Freight rates from Buffalo to Albany were cut 85%. Goods moved from Lake Erie to New York City boomed - 500 new business houses opened in a year - and the rest of the State likewise prospered.
