Gerard Koeppel talked about his book Bond of Union: Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire (Da Capo Press; March 9, 2009). In his book he presents a history of the creation of the Erie Canal that expedited expansion of the United States and facilitated trade with the American West. The author recounts the canal’s development from the initial proposal for construction in the early 1800s to its completion in 1825 and how the engineering feat established New York City as America’s economic center. He also discussed the folklore of the canal and dispelled some popular myths. Mr. Koeppel read some selections and responded to questions from members of the audience. 
Gerard Koeppel is the author of Water for Gotham: A History and associate editor of The Encyclopedia of New York City. Mr. Koeppel’s writing has appeared in several publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and New-York Journal of American History.