In 1837, the town of Lockport was laid out by the Illinois and Michigan Canal commissioners, and an office was constructed and became headquarters for administrative of the waterway. The office played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the I & M Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. The canal extended ninety-six miles from the south branch of the Chicago River near Lake Michigan to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and was in operation from 1848 to 1914.
In 1876, a residence for the Canal Superintendent was added to the office building, and a bank vault was installed in the administration office to store canal records. It later served as headquarters for the Sanitary and Ship Canal. In 1972, the building was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This building is now operated by the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, and is part of the I & M Canal National Heritage Area.
The Will County Historical Society exists so that people and organizations may be connected to the rich history of Will County, Illinois.
We possess:
Please contact the museum for program costs.
The educational programs we provide are:
The museum is operated under the umbrella of the Will County Historical Society Board of Directors.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False
Books/Publications
Children's items: - Church dolls - Native American and settler toys and games
Collectible items - Canal Days collector plates - Hand made bonnets, aprons, towels, and crafts - Hand carved wooden plaques - Blacksmith created items
Private group tours available by appointment
Closed end of December-mid February
Free. Donations Accepted.