Effects of the creation of the Erie Canal?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erie_Canal
http://www.eriecanal.org/
http://www.epodunk.com/routes/erie-canal…
http://www.eriecanalmuseum.com/
http://www.eriecanalvillage.net/
http://www.history.rochester.edu/canal/i…

There should be satisfactory factfinding key for you.
It changed the way commerce was done. People could go to other affair such would take on long to travel on otherwise. Goods could be transported quicker also.