In the 1820s new york city was connected to the great lakes region by the

The correct answer is the Erie Canal.

The Erie Canal helped to create easier trade relations/connections between New York city and the Great Lakes region. Resources from New York city would be sent north on the Hudson River. The Hudson River connected with the Erie Canal, which is a waterway that runs east/west right through the state of New York. The Erie Canal ends right near Lake Erie, which is the gateway to the Great Lakes Region.

Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent