1824- Van Buren travels to Monticello to meet with his political idol, Thomas Jefferson. Van Buren looked at himself as a disciple of Jefferson. 1825- The Erie Canal opened. This had been one of Van Buren's projects, and cost the state seven million dollars. The development of the canal also led to the creation of the nation's first political system, patronage.
Patronage is a system where a political leader hires and fires whoever they want.
Van Buren used this to his advantage throughout his career, including during the creation of the Erie Canal. In exchange for employment on the project, people were expected to do favors for the Bucktails. It was later known as the Albany Regency. 1828- Elected governor of New York. 1829- appointed secretary of state by President Jackson.