The principal canal of the New York State canal system, the Erie Canal connects Lake Erie at Buffalo with New York City via the Hudson River. The original canal was 363 miles long, four feet deep, and included 83 locks. By 1862, the canal had been enlarged to seven feet deep. By 1918 it was part of the Barge Canal and was 341 miles long and 12 feet deep with 36 locks. Governor De Witt Clinton began construction of the canal, which was completed in 1825. Immediately successful, within 10 years the building costs were paid through the collection of tolls from users.