On Jan. 3, 1822: A bill proposing construction of a canal to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River was presented to the Ohio House.

The idea of building inland lock canals had been proposed in 1821 to remedy the state's lack of water navigation.

Rep. M.C. Williams of Cincinnati, a member of the House, presented a resolution to form a committee to discuss the canals.

Mr. Williams headed the committee of five, which presented its report Jan. 3. along with the bill.

It passed later in the month, and the Ohio Canal, which started at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River at Lake Erie and entered the Ohio at the mouth of the Scioto River, opened in 1827.

The state constructed 1,000 miles of canals during the next 20 years, aiding in the development of cities such as Cleveland, Akron and Toledo.

- Rebecca Billman

Ohio Moments will appear here daily during 2003. Have a suggestion? Contact Rebecca Billman at rbillman@enquirer.com or (513) 768-8361.