The I & M Canal had been a tremendous success in opening up shipping and transportation between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. However, during dry periods the level wasn’t sufficient to float the barges and boats, and during heavy rains the river would overflow into the canal and send water back into the lake, water that was mixed with sewage and waste from industry and slaughterhouses that contaminated the water supply and spread diseases such as typhoid and cholera. A new canal was the answer.
The truth is, not everyone was in favor of the canal. St. Louis filed a lawsuit in 1899 to prevent the opening, fearing it would do little more than dilute Chicago’s pollution, move the contamination further “downstream” and poison the waters all the way to New Orleans. A battle ensued at the end of 1899: Missouri was preparing a case for a federal court to issue injunctions to stop the canal, and the Sanitary District was racing to complete the job before that could happen.
On New Year’s Day, 1900, the Sanitary District trustees declared the canal ready to open. That night, with no ceremony or official notice, a dredge began to work its way through a small barrier at 31st Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, a thin strip that separated the Chicago River from the canal, and water began to trickle its way to fill the new canal. It worked its way to the Lockport dam by January 17. Once begun, the damage was done, and no injunction could now stop the flow.
Later that spring, Admiral Dewey, the great hero of the Spanish-American War at Manila Bay, paid a visit to Chicago. He was tremendously popular at the time and was being considered to run for President. Seeing an opportunity to correct the negative feelings that had been generated about the canal, he was invited to perform an inspection tour to demonstrate to the world the great accomplishment.
Construction workers along the canal were involved in bitter work disputes, but suspended strikes planned for the day and built a platform for boarding. Accompanied by Mayor Harrison of Chicago, Admiral Dewey and a host of 200 dignitaries boarded the cutter “Hilda” on May 2, 1900, for a trip down the canal to the Bear Trap Dam at Lockport.
Each town they passed along the way attempted to outdo the rest with ceremony, crowds of people, children waving flags and singing patriotic songs from the canal banks, with much cheering and setting off of cannon volleys. An elaborate luncheon was held on board, with an abundance of food and drinks for all—not a wise choice, as things turned out.
In order to ensure adequate flow, the chief engineer had ordered extra water in the canal, and as the boat neared Lockport, it began to rain heavily. The increased water level was creating an undertow, a hazardous situation as the cutter moved toward the dam.
Seeing this, Dewey suggested Mayor Harrison warn the captain to stay well clear of the controlling works at the dam. High on the excitement of the day and the honor of carrying the Admiral down the canal, and undoubtedly affected by the drinking of a good deal of spirits, the captain blustered that this was his boat, he knew what he was doing, and did not require any interference.
When Harrison returned to the deck, Dewey could not at first be found. Returning to the bridge, Harrison found Dewey at the helm. The captain was being held in a stateroom, ranting about mutiny and cursing Dewey. Dewey reassured Mayor Harrison that he was successfully getting the boat clear of the dam but noted that he had felt in greater danger than he ever was in Manila.
Meanwhile, the rain stopped, the people, unaware of what was occurring, cheered their hero, and the trip back to Chicago was made, not on the canal but by train.
This story is taken from anecdotes available at the Lemont Area Historical Society. Today the power house is operated remotely by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and the dam is not accessible to the public. However, occasionally tours of the Lockport Lock and Dam are offered, and a road runs along the south canal bank where the lock and dam can be viewed.
News
Thanks to the many people who came out to the Lemont Historical Society on Sunday, February 26, to hear me speak about the “Lost Town of Sag Bridge.” What a wonderful crowd and what fun!
This coming Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. I’m speaking at the Lemont Public Library. The title of the program is “Hidden Gems Road Trip.” I will be showing photos I took while visiting the sites where my books are set, little-known places with great history. You can pick the ones you like from what you see and plan your own road trip with maps provided. Here’s the link: https://lemontlibrary.libnet.info/events
I will also be speaking at the Tinley Park Library on Monday, March 13, at 6:30, this time about “The Settlement of Northern Illinois.” Northern Illinois was the last part of the state to be settled. I will talk about the lives of the Potawatomi who lived here at the time the first settlers arrived, how the land was surveyed for purchase, the first non-indigenous people to arrive, and the importance of Northern Illinois to the settlement of everything west of the eastern seaboard. Here’s the link to the Tinley Park Library talk: https://signup.tplibrary.org/event/7739170?tpbutton=click
I hope to see some of you there. Both programs are free, but please register so the libraries can prepare properly. You don’t need a library card to attend – just skip that line on the registration form as it is not required. As of today both programs are still available.
I will be doing book-signings at both events one half hour before and again after the presentation. I suggest you come early if you plan to purchase books.
