The Artificial River

This “enlightening” social history of the construction of the Erie canal explores “19th-century perceptions of progress, politics, and the common good” ( Kirkus Reviews ). Woven from a rich tapestry of research, The Artificial River is more than just a historical account of the Erie Canal—it encapsulates a pivotal era in United States history, especially the monumental strides in engineering, commerce, and socio-cultural shifts between the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Join Carol Sheriff as she