This “enlightening” social history of the construction of the Erie canal explores “19th-century perceptions of progress, politics, and the common good” (Kirkus Reviews).

Woven from a rich tapestry of research, The Artificial River is more than just a historical account of the Erie Canal—it encapsulates a pivotal era in United States history, especially the monumental strides in engineering, commerce, and socio-cultural shifts between the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Join Carol Sheriff as she vividly paints the human endeavor behind the making of the Erie Canal—an artificial river that irrevocably changed landscapes and lives.

This skillfully crafted narrative invites you on a fascinating journey through time. The Artificial River immerses you in the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary individuals—farmers, businessmen, tourists, and government officials—who stood at the forefront of this significant transformation.

The Erie Canal wasn’t just a waterway—it was a lifeline that laid the foundation for the capitalist democracy we know today. The Artificial River is an engaging chronicle of American commerce and the spirit of public good—one that’s sure to captivate history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

“The Artificial River is deeply researched, its arguments are both subtle and clear, and it is written with grace and an engagingly light touch. The book merits a wide readership.” —Paul Johnson, The Journal of American History

“[Sheriff] renders the Erie Canal’s history from a fresh point of view . . . the everyday lives of ordinary people who lived along the waterway.” —Paul Grondahl, Albany Times Union

“An excellent study of an important, all too often neglected period.” —Lee Milazzo, The Dallas Morning News