Chapter VII: The Pass of the Mohawk

1. Print out class copies of the following:

• Chapter VII: The Pass of the Mohawk

2. Primary source materials for Chapter VII are available on the following pages. To obtain larger images suitable for classroom distribution, click on each of the thumbnails. Print out copies of the two gallery pages and/or the pages containing the larger images:
• Primary Source Materials for the Transportation Corridor Through the Mohawk Valley
• Primary Source Materials for Train Transportation

Lesson

1. Before reading the chapter, share maps and photographs showing the "transportation corridor" through the Mohawk Valley with the students.
2. This is an opportune time to reinforce earlier discussions about the geography of New York and its impact on transportation.
3. Have students examine sketches, drawings, and pictures of early locomotives, cars, inclines, etc., in order to visualize train transportation during the middle 1800s.
4. Read aloud in class Chapter VII of Marco Paul's Travels on the Erie Canal.
5. After classroom discussion, students answer the following questions in their journals.

Response Journal Questions

1. Why does the person who guides the locomotive receive more pay than the fare collector?
2. Why did Forester say that Marco should not be in charge of guiding a locomotive? Use details from the story to support your statement.
3. Make a sketch of the Pass of the Mohawk which shows the Erie Canal, the Mohawk River, the turnpike, and the railroad all coming together.

Overview  |  Teacher's Guide