Before its opening, moving cargo through New York took more time for extra costs, which limited trade and settlement in the Northeastern United States. Spanning 363 miles, the canal is artificial, but a series of locks helps the ships adjust to the elevation changes. The significance of the Erie Canal transformed New York City into the United States’ leading port, as it connects to the Midwest. Furthermore, the strait made it possible for agricultural products and raw materials to reach eastern markets from the city. That being said, this innovation helped create towns and cities along the route, which heavily assisted the development of the 18th-century American economy. Overall, the Erie Canal brought about a major impact on commerce, migration, and the shaping of the United States.