Rome Haul

By Walter D. Edmonds

Book Overview

"Rome Haul" is a sweeping historical novel that captures the vibrant and gritty life along the Erie Canal during its mid-19th-century heyday. Set in the 1850s, the story follows Dan'l Harrow, a young man who leaves his life on the farm to seek his fortune on the bustling waterway. As he navigates the complex social and economic landscape of the canal, Dan'l encounters a colorful cast of characters, from hardened boatmen and rogue traders to the spirited Molly Larkins.

The narrative masterfully recreates the atmosphere of a bygone era, detailing the rhythms of the towpath, the competition between canal boats, and the inevitable rise of the railroad that threatens this unique way of life. "Rome Haul" is more than a tale of adventure; it is a meticulously researched portrait of American expansion and the transformative power of the industrial age. Through its vivid prose and authentic dialogue, the novel preserves the lore and legacy of the "Grand Canal," offering readers a front-row seat to the sights, sounds, and struggles of the men and women who built their lives upon its waters. This classic work remains a definitive piece of historical fiction, celebrating the spirit and growth of the American frontier.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025963490
• ISBN13: 9781025963495
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 362 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.8" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Excellent regional and historical fiction

Set along the Erie Canal in 1850, this robust novel is filled with interesting characters trying to make a go of it along this busy waterway connecting the eastern seaboard with the interior parts of the country - before the railroads came to dominate. Dan Harrow comes off the farm to take a job as a towboy and through hard work and good fortune is able to get his own boat. He meets Molly Larkins who becomes his cook; it seems they might marry but Dan comes to realize the canaller's life is not for him, and when he decides to take a job on a farm, they depart company. He also befriends the evil outlaw Gentleman Joe Calash and must overcome the bully Jotham Klore in a fist fight that takes on legendary proportions. The story is somewhat episodic with some chapters reading like separate short stories, but the basic storyline of Dan and Molly and their tribulations remains steady throughout. The book is an excellent piece of regional historical fiction, with very realistic and lively characters holding our attention from beginning to end.