Lockport Chamber Guide 2016

2016 Community resource Guide
the beginning of our community
Established as the headquarters of the Illinois &
Michigan Canal in 1836, Lockport lies nestled in the Des
Plaines River Valley. The canal fueled the growth of not only
Lockport, but the City of Chicago as well.
Working to complete the I&M Canal, Chief Engineer William
Gooding realized that the site of present-day Lockport, which
is 40 feet higher than Joliet, had great water-power potential. In
its early days Lockport thrived as the canal’s headquarters and
as an agricultural processing center. In its heyday,
Lockport saw the construction of dozens of flour mills, grain
warehouses and boatyards. As the first navigable link between
the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River, the canal
played an enormous role in the economic growth of Illinois and
the Midwest. The arrival of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in
1858 was the catalyst for even more growth.
Today you can tour this historic area by foot, bicycle or car.
Through the extensive efforts of the community, its government
and various associations, you will see everything from the
simple cottages of the past canal workers to the cream-colored
limestone architectural works such as the Gaylord and Norton
buildings, appearing just as they did in the 1800’s.
The importance of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and Lockport
to the economic vitality of Illinois cannot be overstated. As a
direct waterway link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi
River, the canal cemented Chicago’s dominance over St.
Louis as the center of Midwestern trade and thereby, Lockport’s
legacy as the “city that made Chicago famous.”
Since the days of shipping on the canal, Lockport has blossomed.
While remaining picturesque, the canal is no longer the
hub of activity that it was in the 1800’s. Lockport has progressed
to become a city of the future while still embracing its
rich past. A combination of retail stores and restaurants, light
and medium industry, and an abundance of activities, events
and celebrations are the new attractions in this dynamic community.
Lockport truly is a city of historic pride with goals that
will create an even brighter future.
history
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Being actively involved in the communities we
serve is important to us. Count on us to give our
all to provide unsurpassed customer service, give
back through The Providence Bank & Trust
Stewardship Program and give thanks for the
relationships we have and continue to establish as
we build on being your community bank.
838 S. State Street
LOCKPORT
815-834-2300
888-9-BELONG (888-923-5664)
providencebank.com
Conveniently located throughout the Chicagoland area &
Northwest Indiana.
For a complete list of our locations scan this code
or visit providencebank.com/locationandhours.html
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www.lockport.org