<Tr> <Td> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> </Tr> </Table> </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td_colspan="2"> Lake Erie </Td> </Tr> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> </Tr> </Table> <P> The Erie Canal is a canal in New York that is part of the east--west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System (formerly known as the New York State Barge Canal). Originally, it ran 363 miles (584 km) from Albany, on the Hudson River, to Buffalo, at Lake Erie . It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes . When completed in 1825, it was the second longest canal in the world (after the Grand Canal in China) and greatly affected the development and economy of New York, New York City, and the United States . </P> <P> First proposed in the 1780s, then re-proposed in 1807, a survey was authorized, funded, and executed in 1808 . Proponents of the project gradually wore down opponents; its construction began in 1817 . The canal has 35 numbered locks, plus the Federal Black Rock Lock, and an elevation differential of about 565 feet (172 m). It opened on October 26, 1825 . </P>

What was the main purpose of the erie canal