South Hadley Canal (operation commencing in 1795) funds were raised locally after John Hancock signed the charter.
It was the earliest navigable canal in the United States, with operation commencing in 1795. John Hancock, then Governor of Massachusetts, signed the charter which incorporated the Proprietors of the Locks and Canals on the Connecticut River. Funds were raised both locally and internationally, with four Dutch investment houses owning slightly over 50% of the stock. 
