Technological Turning Point

In 1825, the first canal was built in America. It began an age of Canals. Along with the new steamboat, it provided a much more effective and efficient method of transportation for the people and products of the Market Revolution. A whole industry built itself around the building and operating of these water roads. But within 2 decades, a new method of transportation would arise to render the canal obsolete; the railroad. The first was the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O), built in 1828. Several other cities and states followed suit. But the new system did not take off immediately. As is often the case with innovation, there were those who did not approve. Many of these came from the people whose livelihoods were threatened by this new development that could put the canal to rest. Canal companies, innkeepers, and tavern owners opposed the railroad in fear of losing business. Others, like turnpike operators, stagecoach companies, and wagon drivers did not want this new competition. But ultimately, the train won over, and by the end of the 19th century the train was the de facto method to get around.