De Witt Clinton

Clinton, De Witt (1769–1828), U.S. politician who promoted the building of the Erie Canal and the Champlain-Hudson Canal. As mayor of New York City (most of 1803–15) and governor of New York state (1817–21 and 1825–28), he set up important civic and political reforms and social relief programs for Roman Catholics, slaves, and the poor.

See also: New York.