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Constructing the Welland Canal
A Man-made Wonder
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Two hundred years ago, the North American network of lakes and rivers was used as a passage by North American explorers and Canadian fur traders. In the past two hundred years, this has developed into a unique and efficient waterway: the St. Lawrence Seaway. This waterway, stretching for 2,038 nautical miles, connects the St. Lawrence River to the five Great Lakes. Before the potential of this inland waterway could be fully exploited, several turbulent obstacles had to be overcome.
The Niagara Falls formed the most significant barrier to a continuous waterway into the American interior. In order to overcome one of nature’s wonders, another was required, this time man-made. The Welland Canal, with its eight huge locks, arose from this necessity. This Canal is one of the most notable technological achievements of the 20th Century. It connects two of the Great Lakes – Ontario and Erie, permitting cargo ships passage from and into the heart of North America.
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