Ottawa in LaSalle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Illinois and Michigan Canal

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2021

1. Illinois and Michigan Canal Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This historic artery of travel was begun in 1836 and finished in 1848. By carrying pioneers and their produce between Lake Michigan and the Illinois Valley, it figured largely in the development of northern Illinois. Superseded by the deep waterway after fifty years of use, it is now devoted to recreational purposes.

Erected 1956 by Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 41° 21.173′ N, 88° 50.498′ W. Marker is in Ottawa, Illinois, in LaSalle County. Marker is on Columbus Street (Illinois Route 23) near East Canal Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in front of the I&M Canal Toll Collectors House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1221 Columbus St, Ottawa IL 61350, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Illinois Appellate Court (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln and Douglas Debate

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(approx. ¼ mile away); The First Lincoln-Douglas Debate (approx. ¼ mile away); LaSalle County Civil War Soldiers Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington Square (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named First Lincoln-Douglas Debate (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ottawa.

Also see . . . Take A Virtual Tour Of The Last I&M Canal Tollhouse!. History and details about the canal's last remaining tollhouse, by Ryan Searl in Starved Rock Country, posted March 15,2021. (Submitted on November 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2021

2. Illinois and Michigan Canal Marker

The "Railsplitter" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2021

3. The "Railsplitter"

This replica canal boat is behind the toll house, which is now a museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.