Lockport Historic District, Bounded by Eighth, Hamilton & Eleventh Streets & Illinois & Michigan Canal, Lockport, Will County, IL

Significance: The Village of Lockport was first established in 1836 by the surveyors of the Illinois and Michigan Canal to serve as field headquarters and as a supply point. As the 19th century progressed, Lockport became a major commercial and grain milling center. For many years the canal was the major transportation route to Chicago from the south, but its importance declined after construction of the railroads. Many of the buildings in the historic district were re-constructed following a major fire in 1895. The district retains a high proportion of late 19th century structures, which have not been substantially altered since their construction.
Survey number: HAER IL-16
Building/structure dates: 1917 Initial Construction