The Illinois and Michigan Canal ran 96 miles from Chicago's
Bridgeport neighborhood on the Chicago River to LaSalle, Illinois,
on the Illinois River. It was finished in 1848 and allowed boat
transportation from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and
the Gulf of Mexico. It ceased transportation operations in 1933.
As you enjoy the gorgeous flora, fauna, and scenery you will
periodically see arch shaped stone walls along the river side of
the I & M Canal path. These walls, which are still all original
and in great condition, originally served a dual purpose. First,
they functioned as a sort of retaining wall, keeping the soil and
gravel of the trail in place and keeping the water from the eroding
them away. Secondly, since the walls were built in an arched shape,
it allowed the horses or mules that were pulling the barges down
the canal a place to rest just slightly off the path. This way, the
resting animals would not impeded any other canal traffic
attempting to make their way through. So, take a rest here, and
enjoy the scenery. Have fun!
THIS CACHE WAS PLACED WITH THE COOPERATION AND APPROVAL
OF
THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
1. Geocache is placed on Department managed property with
permission.
2. Do not place the following items in the Geocache: Food items,
inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials.
3. It is the visitors responsibility or orient themselves with
policies and rules pertaining to this Department managed
site.