How the Erie Canal Helped Create Modern America Listen Download Embed Share Share this on Facebook (Opens in a new window) Share this on Twitter (Opens in a new window) Share this via Email The Erie Canal took eight years to build and when completed in 1825 it opened the Great Lakes and Northwest Territory to trade and emigrants. This drawing was done in 1829. ( Everett Historical / Shutterstock ) Produced by Oliver Lazarus Produced by PRI and WNYC