Will County Historical Society/I&M Canal Museum
803 N. State St., Lockport, IL 60441
History Museums
The historic I&M Canal office in Lockport oversaw canal operations from 1837. Now a museum, it showcases the canal’s legacy and is part of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.
Founded in 1837, Lockport became the headquarters for the Illinois & Michigan Canal, a vital waterway linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The Canal Office played a key role in planning, financing, and overseeing the construction of the 96-mile canal, which operated from 1848 to 1914. In 1876, a superintendent’s residence and secure vault were added. The site later served the Sanitary and Ship Canal before being transferred to the Will County Historical Society in 1969. Now home to the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, it is part of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area. Illinois 250
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Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
Lockport
The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center exists so that people and organizations may be connected to the rich history of Will County, Illinois
Read more about Will County Historical Museum and Research Center