Who benefitted the least with the Erie Canal?

Merchants in New York City

Bankers in Albany

Barge operators on the Ohio River

Traders on the Hudson River

Traders on the Hudson River

Explanation:

The Erie Canal was initially opened in the year 1825. It was an important site due to the fact that it linked Lake Erie and the Great Lakes system to the Hudson River, with this canal in place, the western states now had direct access to the Atlantic Ocean without the need to ship goods downstream on the New Orleans or Mississippi River.

As at today some Portions of the original canal are still active, although tourism is currently the major source of boat traffic along the Erie Canal.

answer; earthquake;

fertile good for trade etc