Why was hydraulic cement important for building the Erie Canal?

Hydraulic cement was essential to the construction of the Erie Canal because it possessed the unique ability to harden underwater.1

During the canal's construction, engineer Canvass White discovered a local source of this material, which provided two major advantages:

• Construction Efficiency: It allowed for the effective building of the canal's 83 stone locks and 18 aqueducts, which were necessary to manage elevation changes and cross bodies of water.2
• Cost Reduction: By utilizing a local supply, the project eliminated the need to import expensive cement from Europe, significantly lowering overall construction costs.2