Illinois and Michigan Canal (Ill.)

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of stone used for the lock and dam at Henry, 1869-1870. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394469

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of canal indebtedness, 1842-1844. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394576

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of appraised value of canal land, 1849. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381359

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Canceled bond coupons, 1854-1855. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453839

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of boat clearances and arrivals. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37477245

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Bills, vouchers, and receipts, 1823-1899. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459087

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Boat inspectors' reports, 1858-1864. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37477257

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Canceled checks, 1856-1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485005

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of notes paid, 1848-1871. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37390845

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of forfeited land and lots subject to resale, 1860-1868. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381559

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Dividend payments, 1849-1856. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453925

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of boat clearances at Chicago, 1863. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37477145

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of assignments or transfers of subscriptions, 1846. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37446625

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Weekly toll reports, 1848-1926. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459194

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of List of lots and land conveyed to the trustees of the Illinois and Michigan Canal by the Governor, 1843-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381326

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Statistics of laborers, 1838-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394336

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of lockages and detentions, 1848-1902. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476764

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Land granted by the federal government to the state of Illinois for construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 1830-1856. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37502480

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Boat clearances, 1848-1932. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476736

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Locktenders' reports, 1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476750

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) and the Dept. of Transportation assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Reports, 1830-1898. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365070

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Records of payments made to contractors, 1836-1864. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391107

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of boats navigating the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 1855-1832. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484865

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of payment of arrears of interest, 1854-1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453937

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Levels of the Kankakee River and the head of the Kankakee feeder up to Beardsley's Dam, 1856. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485397

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of interest payments on the $1.6 million canal construction loan, 1848-1853. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459053

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865) but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the money to the city following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Duties of the members of the Board of Trustees, 1845. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37364905

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of articles transported, cleared, and arrived, 1852-1907. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476913

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Statements of timber used for construction, 1845-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394429

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Stone books, 1839-1876. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394452

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of forfeited and resold land, 1851-1868. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381452

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Cook, Grundy, and Will County surveys, 1835-1861. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37495787

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Fidelity bonds, 1845-1931. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37496075

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of boat lockages, 1886-1887. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476781

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Supplies furnished to laborers, 1846-1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394407

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Insurance policies, 1896-1932. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485106

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Newspaper clippings, 1902. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37502516

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Quarterly reports to the Auditor of Public Accounts, 1903-1914. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365295

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Powers of attorney, 1842-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37496117

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of certificates for state bonds, 1841. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394605

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Bank balances, 1836-1860. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484957

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Collector's record of arrivals and departures on the canal at Chicago, 1897-1908. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37477211

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of original payments of 10 percent of principal, 1857-1870. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459076

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of reappraised value of canal land, 1860-1870. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381388

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of powers of attorney, 1845-1846. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37496154

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of interest payments due for land purchased on installment, 1837-1839. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37390941

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of initial land payments, 1849-1851. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37387049

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Journal of money received for land sales payments, 1851-1854. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37390966

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Construction contracts, 1836-1902. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391078

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Original payments of 5 percent of principal, 1860-1871. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37454122

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Abstracts of tolls and lockages collected, 1850-1912. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476652

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of canal expenses, 1836-1841. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459154

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Contract bids, 1836-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391016

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of ninety-day checks, 1838-1844. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484966

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Certificates of changes of boat names, 1849-1906. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484879

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventaully canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of List of land patents issued by the state of Illinois, 1831-1885. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365482

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of boat passes, 1910-1929. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484898

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Receipts issued to subscribers to the $1.6 million canal construction loan, 1846-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453790

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of leases, 1840-1920. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485051

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Certificates for land and lots, 1848-1870. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365565

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Contract register, 1845-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391092

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Check ledger, 1893-1895. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485028

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system conncting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for cty sewage disposal (1865) but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the money to the city following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). Even after the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) and the Dept. of Transportation assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Board resolutions, 1837-1914. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37364870

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Construction estimates, 1836-1849. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37390989

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Rules and regulations for employees, 1845. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394251

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of tolls received, 1868-1911. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476670

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventaully, canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation assumed administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Preemption applications, 1945-1854. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365446

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Tract books of canal land sales, 1830-1927. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381211

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Abstract of title, 1830-1912. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381266

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Toll rates, 1851. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459169

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of boat arrivals at Chicago, 1867-1873. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37477170

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Check register, 1839-1843. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484977

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested by a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). The canal was closed to commerce in 1935, but the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. After canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Land patents issued by the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 1842-1878. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365517

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Cash received, 1836-1941. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484945

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Bank drafts, 1846-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485038

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Illinois River levels, 1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37495850

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Survey and field notes, 1836-1922. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485314

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of towpath passes, 1898-1927. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484914

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Contractors' preemption petitions, 1845. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391058

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Reports of the chief engineer, 1846-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365184

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Check stubs, 1845-1900. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484995

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of installment payments for land, 1848-1850. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37387110

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Western Stone Company Account, 1895-1896. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394489

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of subscribers to the $1.6 million canal construction loan, 1843. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37446516

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Chicago sewerage records, 1865. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37502462

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Abstracts of completed construction work, 1838-1848. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391135

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Lists of unsold lots and land, 1852-1873. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381479

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of boats locked, 1912-1915. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37476797

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for cty sewage disposal in (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce in 1935, the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually, canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) and the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Treasurer's reports to the trustees on the $1.6 million canal construction loan, 1848-1865. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365160

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of lots and land sold but not patented, 1837-1843. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381291

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Record of tolls paid, 1849-1926. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37459224

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Certificates of changes in boat ownership, 1857-1904. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484874

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Arrears of interest payments to bondholders, 1855-1856. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37454007

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce in 1935, the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventaully, canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) and the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed some administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeoogical, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Treasurer's reports, 1837-1842. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365105

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Telegrams, 1849. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37496028

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Annual land sales reports, 1848-1865. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381596

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Materials relating to riparian rights, submerged lands, rivers and lakes, and navigability in Illinois, 1854-1925. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37535089

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of messages sent via the Ohio and Mississippi Telegraph Company, 1848-1850. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37502435

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of General summary of unpaid dividends, 1848-1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453909

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Account book of T. W. Trutch, 1857. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37495956

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of orders, 1840-1841. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37391121

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Loan certificates, 1845-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37453814

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Plats and field notes of canal property, leases, and adjacent property, 1947-1958. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485069

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually, canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) and the Dept. of Transportation assumed administrative responsibility (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Quarterly financial reports to the Governor, 1918-1934. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365261

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Certificates of boat registration, 1849-1917. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37484856

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Specifications for locks on the Illinois River, 1869. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37394514

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Damage claims, 1843-1847. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37502354

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Grundy County field notes and surveys, 1863-1881. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37485239

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Register of interest and 6 percent of principal payments made to subscribers to the $1.6 million canal construction loan, 1845-1849. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37454106

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal for city sewage disposal (1865), but this process was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a guberatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal was closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Statement of collections made to the Auditor of Public Accounts, 1917-1934. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37365350

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate section to the United States." Ground was broken at Lockport and Bridgeport on July 4, 1836, but financial problems kept delaying construction, and it was not until April 1848, that the waterway opened for navigation. With its completion, the inland waterway system connecting New York with New Orleans was completed, spurring settlement and economic development along the canal route and transforming Chicago into a regional industrial and transportation center. Chicago's City Council donated funds to deepen the canal or city sewage disposal (1865), but this work was not completed until 1871, when the General Assembly refunded the city's money following the Chicago fire.

Having paid off all canal creditors by May 1871, the state resumed complete canal control and waterway administration was invested in a gubernatorially appointed Board of Canal Commissioners. This management continued until 1917, when jurisdiction transferred to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1917-1925); then to the Dept. of Purchases and Construction (1925-1933); and finally, back to the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1933-1955). After the canal closed to commerce (1935), the state continued to sell and lease property and waterpower sites. Eventually canal and adjacent lands became a state park (1955) while the Dept. of Transportation briefly assumed other administrative responsibilities (1971-1984). On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the canal lands as the nation's first National Heritage Corridor, an affiliated National Park Service unit. The Canal, currently administered by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, provides diverse archeological, natural, historic and recreational resources.

From the description of Land sales receipts, 1830-1842. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37381616