The Erie Canal Craft is a type of BARGE, which is a flat-bottomed boat that is used to transport goods and materials. The Erie Canal Craft is a type of BARGE that was specifically designed for use on the Erie Canal, a 363-mile waterway connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie. It was built in the early 19th century to facilitate trade between the Great Lakes region and the Atlantic Ocean. The Erie Canal Craft is characterized by its shallow draft, which allows it to navigate the shallow waters of the canal.