Illinois and Michigan Canal

Historical marker location:

1221 Columbus St, Ottawa, Illinois

( Marker is on Columbus Street (Illinois Route 23) near East Canal Avenue, on the left when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 1956

The Illinois State Police, founded in 1922, is one of the oldest state police agencies in the United States. The agency is responsible for enforcing state laws, protecting state property, and providing security for the governor and other state officials.