Illinois. Illinois-Mississippi Canal and Sinnissippi Lake Commission

Congress authorized construction of Illinois and Mississippi (Hennepin) Canal in 1887. Canal connected Illinois River south of Hennepin in Putnam County to Rock River near Moline in Rock Island County and from there by way of canal around Rock River's lower rapids at Milan to Mississippi River at city of Rock Island. From Hennepin in Putnam County canal passes through Bureau, Henry and Rock Island Counties with feeder up to Rock Falls on Rock River in Whiteside County. Farmers and other shippers on upper Mississippi had lobbied for this route to Great Lakes shipping lanes.

Illinois River continued to be insufficiently navigable between LaSalle and Lockport. Illinois and Michigan Canal which connected Illinois River to Lake Michigan was too shallow and too narrow to accommodate substantial and economically feasible craft. Further, overland railroads afforded cheaper, faster and more dependable alternatives.

Federal government closed canal in 1951 and announced its intention to abandon it. General Assembly created Illinois-Mississippi Canal and Sinnissippi Lake Commission in 1953 to study feasibility of state's assuming title to canal lands and properties to convert them into recreational area. State did not take possession of canal lands and properties until November 19, 1969, when Governor signed acceptances of titles. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers records concerning canal subsequently were transferred to Illinois Department of Conservation. State, however, continues to negotiate with federal authorities regarding responsibility for manitaining canal railroad and highway bridges and dams (P.A.36-294, pp.2184-2185).

From the description of Illinois and Mississippi Canal and Lake Sinnissippi Commission files, 1970-1973. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37710287