The Central Square building was constructed in 1896.  After the 1895 fire burnt the original stone schoolhouse on this site that dated back to 1857, Central Square was the replacement school for both grade school and high school students. This building now houses Lockport City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce as well as incubator businesses. Like this:Like Loading… Read more…

The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was created by the U.S. Govt. during the Depression as a means of gainfully employing young men and giving them military like discipline. They were sent to work on the canal, helping to repair locks, clearing the towpath of growth, and building roads, foot bridges and picnic shelters such as this one. All for the Read more…

The Gaylord Building is a historic building located in downtown Lockport, Illinois. First constructed in 1838, the Gaylord Building acted as a key location for the construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Today, it serves dual purposes as both a historic landmark and an adaptable space with opportunities to explore history, engage with fine art, and learn more about Read more…

Maintained by the Lockport Township Park District, the Gladys Fox Museum is located in the historic 1839 Old Congregational Church. Beautifully restored, this historic building is now home to the museum’s collection of historical photographs and memorabilia celebrating Dellwood Park and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Like this:Like Loading… Read more…

Begin your journey into Will County’s past here in the Visitors Center. Learn about the history of each building, moved from sites in Will County to this location at 249 W. 2nd Street. Heritage Village hosts numerous events including Military Days reenactments and the kid’s zone for Old Canal Days. We have renovated the inside of the Visitors Center, and Read more…

The Lockport Gallery features changing exhibitions of art created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, quilts, and other decorative and ethnographic arts are showcased in rotating, theme-based exhibitions augmented by interpretive materials. The exhibitions are given an added dimension through educational events, group tours, and outreach activities for both children and adults. Like this:Like Loading… Read more…

With the I&M Canal construction occurring between 1836 and 1848, Lock No. 1 was a critical piece of the puzzle to connect New York City to New Orleans by an inland water route. Lock No. 1, located at Division & Canal Street, is built with strong local dolomitic limestone and was essentially completed by 1839 to create a water route Read more…

Built in 1860 to serve the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railway, the Lockport depot provided services for passengers and freight. Due to the speed of the railroad, this dolomitic limestone structure at 13th Street quickly captured the passenger traffic from the I&M Canal packet boats. Listed on the National Register Of Historic Railroad Landmarks, the station now serves Metra Read more…

Completed in 1848, concurrent with the adjacent Norton Building, the Scale House weighed loaded grain wagons at the entrance to the granary. After unloading, the empty wagon was weighed to determine the amount of grain delivered. Credit slips were issued cover purchases in Norton’s grocery and dry goods stores. Like this:Like Loading… Read more…

Built around 1843, the Stage Coach Stop preserves a piece of Lockport’s early history. The stage coach lines followed the old Indian trail toward Chicago. This route became Archer’s Road and it is still a major route today. Now converted to private residences. Please respect their privacy. Like this:Like Loading… Read more…

This completely renovated 19,750 square foot building was opened to the public on September 23, 2013. The original library building on this site had been in constant service from 1966 through early 2012, when it was closed for an 18-month renovation. During that time, a portion of the collection was moved to the Gaylord Building where the Library continued to Read more…

Located in the original 1837 canal headquarters building, the Illinois and Michigan Canal Museum offers 10 rooms filled with artifacts, pictures, and documents relating to the construction and operation of the canal, as well as period items specific to the region during the height of the canal’s operation. This building is now operated by the Will County Historical Museum and Read more…