New York's rivers and Great Lakes access fueled early settlement and trade.
The Hudson River
The Hudson River was essential to New York City's rise as a port metropolis. It remains a vital shipping channel.
The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal linked the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, enabling New York City to dominate 19th century commerce and trade.
The St. Lawrence River
Forming the northern border, the St. Lawrence River allowed cities like Massena and Ogdensburg to profit from Canada/U.S. trade.
Carved by glaciers, the Finger Lakes region brings tourism inland from Lake Ontario.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, supported a fishing economy and trade through cities like Rochester.
The Finger Lakes
The long, narrow Finger Lakes attracted agriculture and vineyards to areas like the Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake wine trails.
New York's unique access to coastal and inland waterways gave the state outsized economic influence. Maintaining water quality remains an ongoing priority.