Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge decision establishes powers of the states to promote economic development.

Supreme Court upholds the 1829 U.S. District Court decision that the state had a right to allow construction of the Warren Bridge despite the economic damage suffered by the nearby Charles River Bridge, whose proprietors’ retained Lemuel Shattuck and Daniel Webster to bring suit. In its ruling, the court declares, “the object and end of all government is to promote the happiness and prosperity of the community by which it is established.”