THEN & NOW: I&M Canal Lock No. 6, Channahon
then and Now October 17, 2012 11:24PM
I & M Canal Lock early in the Twentieth Century.
CORRECTIONS
The Herald-News tries to be fair, accurate and balanced in every story. When we err, we want to correct the mistake. To report an error, call 815-773-7155.
Updated: November 19, 2012 1:21PM
The growth of Will County can be directly traced to the building of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Completed in 1848, and nearly 100 miles long, the I&M Canal was the final link in a national plan to connect different regions of North American via waterways. With the help of many immigrants, the six-foot-deep canal was dug through the northern part of Will County and connected the cities of Channahon and Joliet to the east and west sections of the canal. The Will County towns of Joliet, Lockport and Channahon were among those that prospered in the 19th century because of the transportation network, which tied the county with Chicago and the East Coast markets. The Then photograph shows a view of Lock No. 6 looking north into the lock chamber. The locktender’s house, constructed in 1848, was built along the west side of the lock. The Greek Revival-style structure was constructed in Lockport and floated down the canal to its location. The Now photograph shows a similar view of Lock No. 6 today.
Photo from David Belden and the Local History Project digital collections. If you are interested in contributing a postcard image, email Belden at: dbelden@mchs.net or localhistory@mchs.net, or call 815-467-2140, Ext. 260.
