Talk:Erie Canal

May I be a cynic here?

There was no Federal funding, right? But there was funding from New York State, right? Could that be because Jefferson was Virginian and wanted to protect the Cumberland Gap which, at that time, was the easiest route for those moving west into the great beyond. And those in New York could see that the canal opened up an even greater beyond via the Great Lakes. Simple economics. Simple politics.

AlanE (talk) 00:31, 29 October 2016 (EDT)

I don't know Jefferson's motives, but you are correct as far as I know--he vetoed the bill, then New York state footed the bill. I'd like to think Jefferson's motives were pure, but I can't say. He claimed that it was unconstitutional, and I'm not certain, but I might agree in his situation. Back then, they actually believed that all powers not given to the federal government were reserved for the states. --David B ^(TALK) 01:27, 29 October 2016 (EDT)

Damn! I felt like a argument :) I don't suppose...never mind. AlanE (talk) 02:10, 29 October 2016 (EDT)

Oh, sorry--Jefferson funded the entire thing while New York watched and did nothing. Jefferson actually didn't care about the Cumberland Gap. Happy? ;) --David B ^(TALK) 12:45, 29 October 2016 (EDT)

Thanks! AlanE (talk) 19:13, 29 October 2016 (EDT)