The Miami and Erie Canal was a canal in Ohio that ran about 274 miles (441 km) from Toledo to Cincinnati and created a water route from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Construction on the canal began in 1825 and was completed in 1845 at a cost to the state government of just over $8 million. The usage of the canal gradually declined during the late 19th century due to competition from railroads and was permanently abandoned for commercial use in 1913 after a historic flood severely damaged it. Only a small fraction of the canal remains today along with its towpath and locks.