National Register Listing

Illinois and Michigan Canal

a.k.a. Illinois and Michigan Canal (Locks and Towpath)

7 mi. SW of Joliet on U.S. 6, in Channahon State Park, Joliet, IL
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

engineering transportation
Audiobooks about the history of Illinois.
Illinois is the birthplace of several famous people, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, and writer Ernest Hemingway.
Illinois random facts
Will County, located in northeastern Illinois, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa, who relied on the plentiful natural resources found in the region. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlers arriving in the 1820s.

In 1836, Will County was officially established as a separate county, named after Dr. Conrad Will, a prominent politician and physician. The creation of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s played a significant role in the county's development, connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River and promoting economic growth in the area. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with farms producing a wide range of crops, including corn, wheat, and livestock.

The late 19th century brought rapid industrialization to Will County, fueled by the expansion of the railroad system and the discovery of natural resources such as coal and limestone. This led to the establishment of numerous mining operations and manufacturing industries, propelling the county into an era of economic prosperity.

In the 20th century, Will County continued to grow and diversify its economy. The construction of major highways, like Interstate 55 and Interstate 80, facilitated transportation and attracted businesses to the area. Today, the county is known for its thriving manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors, with a population that has steadily increased over the years.

Overall, Will County's history reflects its transition from a predominantly rural, agricultural region to a more urbanized and industrialized area, while still retaining its connections to its Native American roots and natural surroundings.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Will County, Illinois.

  • 1673: French explorers Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette pass through the area.
  • 1836: Will County is established as a county in the state of Illinois.
  • 1838: The city of Joliet is founded and serves as the county seat.
  • 1846: The Illinois and Michigan Canal is completed, connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River and boosting economic growth in the county.
  • 1855: The Chicago and Alton Railroad reaches Joliet, further spurring industrial and population growth.
  • 1919: Joliet Prison, now known as Stateville Correctional Center, opens.
  • 1926: Route 66 is designated, passing through Will County and bringing increased traffic and commerce.
  • 1960: Joliet becomes the fastest-growing city in the United States.
  • 1970: The construction of the Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 interchange further enhances transportation in the region.
  • 2000: Will County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.