There is an often quoted letter that is used to illustrate how people resist change and the creative destruction that free-enterprise can create. Enjoy this letter for the historical perspective it provides: January 21, 1829
To President Jackson,
The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as "railroads." The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons:
One. If canal boats are supplanted by "railroads," serious unemployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for the horses.
Two. Boat builders would suffer, and towline, whip and harness makers would be left destitute.
Three. Canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States. In the event of the expected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war.
As you may well know, Mr. President, "railroad" carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of fifteen miles per hour by "engines" which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed.
Martin Van Buren
Government of New York
The letter was most likely never written by Van Buren. Andrew Jackson wasn’t yet president on the stated date, and Van Buren would not have sent such a letter to the man he hoped would ask him to join his administration. No matter the source, it accurately expresses observations documented by Stewart Holbrook in The Story of American Railroads.