San Antonio College Library

Accompanying CD-ROM has images from the book in TIFF format which can be viewed with the Extensis Portfolio browser included on the disc or with a graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop, as well as links to four Library of Congress websites.

"The Canal Era was a major phase of America's nineteenth century transportation revolution. Canals lowered transportation costs, carried a vast grain trade from western farms to eastern ports, and delivered Pennsylvania coal to New Jersey and New York. They created new towns and cities and contributed to American economic growth"--Preface.

This book presents an in-depth study of the role of civilian maritime activities in the development of the United States. It stresses the crucial role played by the oceans, rivers, lakes, and canals. The exploration and settlement of North America occurred within a maritime context during the European Age of Discovery. The colonists exploited the seas and rivers to develop a maritime-oriented economy prior to the American Revolution. British trade...