Friends of Schoharie Crossing

 Martin Van Buren (1782–1862) initially opposed the Erie Canal as part of a political, anti-Clintonian faction* (the Albany Regency) that labeled it the "Ditch of Iniquity". Despite this, he later supported the project in 1817 as a New York State Senator, recognizing its economic value, though he remained cautious about federal involvement in such infrastructure projects.  As a leader of the "Bucktails" faction, Van Buren frequently opposed Governor DeWitt Clinton’s ambitious infrastructure plans in the early 1810s.  Van Buren ultimately supported the 1817 legislation that secured funding and began construction of the Grand and North canals.  Van Buren argued in 1817 that duties on salt and auctions provided an abundant, secure source of revenue to manage the debt created by the canal, supporting the project's financial viability. While it may be suggested he preferred canals over railroads to protect specialized jobs, his views focused on the broader, long-term...