In 1852, Roebling takes over work begun on a suspension bridge across the Niagara River gorge. To demonstrate the bridge's strength, he runs a fully loaded freight train across it, a highly publicized event that solidifies his reputation as one of the best engineers in the world. The wheels can also be removed, turning the cart into a raft to ford rivers. Metis trade routes play an important role in the development of Western Canada, and our modern highways often follow the main trails of these early freighters. Automobiles are expensive, custom-made machines that only the wealthy can afford.
Huge demand requires that large quantities of raw silk be moved between Japan and New York City.
Under the leadership of the indomitable C.D. Howe, Canada's Department of Transport is founded. The new department brings together the long-established department of Marine, Railways and Canals, as well as the civil aviation branch of the Department of National Defence. The emergence of bush planes provides a means to explore and chart Canada's vast northern territory. These planes also help in timber surveys, forest-fire spotting, aerial surveys and photography, and provide access to the rich and plentiful natural resources of the north. Today, bush planes remain important lifelines, in many cases providing the only transportation link between remote communities and the rest of the country.