The Erie Canal was a monumental engineering achievement that dramatically transformed commerce in the 19th century. Completed in 1825, the canal connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, facilitating the movement of goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. This significantly reduced transportation costs, allowing goods to be shipped more efficiently, and opened up new markets for agriculture and manufacturing. The canal played a pivotal role in the economic growth of New York City, making it a leading commercial hub in the United States and spurring similar infrastructure projects across the country.