Starting from 1825, the Erie Canal turned New York City into the commercial giant it is known as to date. The canal allowed transportation in bulk of furniture, clothing, and crops to the coastal frontiers. Farmers were able to trade products such as wheat and corn to luxury markets much easier, enabling not only faster stock provision of stores, but improving the farmers' economy as well.
The Canal boosted the economy of the United States by reducing transportation costs, soon to carry over 60% of all the trade in the country.