In the 19th century, Amsterdam’s prosperity was under threat, as the approaches to its
harbor were too shallow for a new generation of larger ships. In an attempt to revive maritime
trade, the harbor was dredged and the Noordzeekannal, completed in 1876, was cut to provide
access to the North Sea. A rapid increase in population in the latter half of the century caused a
demand for housing. New streets, such as Jacob van Lennepkade, were built in the western
suburbs along canals, to reflect the character of the rest of the city. At the same time, many of
the oldest canals in the city center, such as the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and much of the
Damark, were filled in to improve road access to Central Station.
After the arrival of road and rail links, the commercial importance of Amsterdam’s 75
kilometers of canals declined, although barges still ply the waters of the Amstel. Canals do,
however, play a crucial role in the city’s tourist industry, as well as providing Amsterdammers with
transport routes and a place to live.