Bond of Union: Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire

In this elegantly written and far-reaching narrative, acclaimed author Gerard Koeppel tells the astonishing story of the creation of the Erie Canal and the memorable characters who turned a visionary plan into a successful venture. Koeppels long years of research fill the pages with new findings about the construction of the canal and its enormous impact, providing a unique perspective on Americas self perception as an empire destined to expand to the Pacific.

A landmark new history of the making of the Erie Canal—Americas first “superhighway” to the West—and the extraordinary consequences of its completion

Gerard Koeppel is a writer, journalist, historian, and former editor for CBS News. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Water for Gotham and lives in Manhattan.