Canal boat at unidentified location, though thought to be in Evansville, IN. The Wabash and Erie Canal did extend through Evansville, connecting the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. Construction on this stretch began in 1836, but was delayed due to the 1840s financial crisis. Construction began again in the mid to late 1840s, and was completed in 1853. Success was very short lived, and this stretch was abandoned in 1861, with the entire canal bed refilled by 1870. For more details, see http://historicevansville.com/wabasheriecanal.php