Heaven's Ditch by Jack Kelly

Heaven's Ditch by Jack Kelly is aptly subtitled “God, Gold and Murder on the Erie Canal.” Kelly provides a fascinating and complex look at both economic and social forces swirling around upstate New York in the early 1800’s. 

He not only tells the tale of engineering feats associated with the building of the canal, but describes the phenomenal growth and movement of people and goods.  He alludes to Lockport, Brockport, Spencerport, Fairport, and, yes, Rochester itself, which features prominently in this tale of what was then the frontier. 

Kelly’s comments on politicians like DeWitt Clinton and on Joseph Smith and other evangelicals like Charles Finney are extremely informative as well.  A central theme of the book is the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the religious fervor which dominated this area and era. He also refers at length to the murder mystery involving William Morgan and the creation of the Anti-Masonic party.  The amount of detail was astounding – roughly 10% of the book is devoted to notes and suggested reading.  I am glad that I had a digital copy because I kept pausing to look up background on the characters, locations and cultural references like the song “Low Bridge, Everybody Down.”  

Heaven's Ditch by Jack Kelly is recommended for those who are interested in early American history, particularly for upstate New York.  Be ready to be surprised and sometimes confused.  Kelly does not always share the story in a chronological manner and with so many involved, it is a complex one. There is an added bonus in how this tale relates to today, involving as it does the technological marvel of its time, celebrity preachers and daredevils and violent attacks against those who are different.  

Looking for another story involving a mystery set a bit later in the 19^th century in upstate New York?  Search for Miriam Grace Monfredo’s Seneca Falls series featuring librarian Glynis Tryon.