1828 Ohio Erie Canal Federal Land Grant House Report 139 Internal Improvements For Sale

DescriptionOriginal 1828 congressional report supporting a major federal land grant to help finance construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal, one of the defining transportation projects of the early American West.Issued as House Report No. 139, 20th Congress, 1st Session, the report was submitted February 11, 1828 by the House Committee on Public Lands. It considers whether federal public lands should be appropriated to Ohio to assist with debt incurred for the state's canal system and ultimately recommends a grant of 500,000 acres for that purpose.The report makes an unusually clear contemporary argument for federal investment in internal improvements. It describes the Ohio Canal as an approximately 300-mile route connecting the Ohio River near the Scioto with Lake Erie at the Cuyahoga, emphasizing its ability to link the Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley, western settlement, eastern markets, and national transportation network.The committee argues that the canal's importance extended beyond Ohio, citing its value for interstate commerce, migration, the sale and development of federal lands, and the movement of men, munitions, and provisions in wartime. Its recommendation became part of the federal legislation enacted later in 1828 granting Ohio 500,000 acres of public land in support of canal construction and debt.A compact but substantial primary source for the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal, federal internal improvements, public-land policy, western expansion, transportation, and early American economic development.Details- Title: Lands to Ohio—For Canals
- Date: February 11, 1828
- Congress: 20th Congress, 1st Session
- Chamber: House of Representatives
- Report: House Report No. 139
- Committee: Committee on the Public Lands
- Submitted by: Jacob C. Isacks
- Subject: Federal land assistance for Ohio canal construction
- Recommended grant: 500,000 acres of public land
- Format: One leaf, printed on both sides
- Pagination: 2 pages
- Dimensions: approximately 5.5 × 9 inches
- Related subjects: Ohio & Erie Canal, internal improvements, federal land grants, public lands, Great Lakes transportation, Ohio River, western expansionConditionDisbound, with substantial irregular loss and binding/removal evidence along the former bound edge. Additional age toning, scattered foxing and spotting, and general edge wear. Printed text remains complete and readily readable.Photographs form part of the description.

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