History of Steam on the Erie Canal: Appeal for the Extension of the Act of April, 1871, to Foster and Develop the Inland Commerce of the State, for ... the Commercial Community

by H Boynton

A look at the early era of steam on the Erie Canal and the stubborn limits it faced—plus what that history means for freight policy today.

This edition surveys the rise of steam propulsion on the canal, from the first screw-tug experiments to the larger attempts of 1871–72. It weighs why capital and talent failed to make steam a reliable carrier, and why the state stepped in with new incentives. The focus is on lessons learned, not on romance or hype.

How different propeller designs and tow strategies affected speed and cargo capacity. Why steam trials often wasted power and struggled to outperform horse-drawn freight. Economic comparisons across eras, showing when steam carried more freight per trip and when it did not. The policy shift in 1871–72 that tied freight carrying capacity to speed and cargo targets. Ideal for readers interested in canal history, transportation technology, and economic lessons from early steam experiments.

26 pages, Hardcover

Published December 28, 2018