Hitches and Ditches on the Erie Canal

Luke must leave his beloved family to take a job helping to build the Erie Canal. Filled with wonder and awe, Luke discovers the awesome powers behind building one of the greatest marvels of the 19th century. But all is not so easy when he discovers that two men plan to sabotage the canal. Luke must foil the plot before all the hard work is destroyed! This historical and fictional accounting of the construction of the Erie Canal is suspenseful and full of surprises with facts about the canal that are not often discussed. The book is a labor of love created by Hannah Stuart, a fourth grade teacher. It was her desire that all would be able to understand the contributing role that the Erie Canal played in the progression of New York State and the Westward Expansion. Ms. Stuart wanted readers to learn in an informing and interesting format.