HEART OF THE ERIE CANAL LAPEL PIN - (PEC001) $7.00

1.5" heart shaped lapel pin of fire enamel on gold tone base metal. Shows a mule and driver on the tow path of the Erie Canal pulling a pac boat with a modern pleasure boat entering from right. Below the driver is 'THE HEART OF THE ERIE CANAL" and above the tree topped further stone bank are two brown furled banners, 'UTICA" and "ROME".

Recognizes the 15 miles between Rome and Utica, NY as the first stage completed of the Erie Canal. Started on July 4, 1817, the developers started in the middle and extended the Canal on both ends to prevent the major cities along the route from dropping support once their town was reached. Upon completion, the Canal connected the Atlantic at New York City harbor with the Great Lakes interior of the United States. Travel was reduced from 21 days to 7 days, and shipping costs dropped from $100 a ton to $9 a ton.

Single spike with butterfly clasp on back.