The Ohio & Erie Canal was designated by Congress in 1996 as a part of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The section between Cleveland and Akron was constructed between 1825 and 1827 with the entire canal completed in 1832. Providing an invaluable link from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, the canal played a crucial role in Ohio’s development facilitating trade and transportation in the 19th century. Today, along with the Cuyahoga River, the northernmost remaining 4.4 miles of watered canal provides wildlife management areas, fishing opportunities and scenic beauty.