NEH Grant Project

NEH Grant Project

NEH Landmarks of American History Program

The opening of the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal in 1848 was instrumental to the development of inland America, and had been the subject of plans and speculation since the earliest settlers came to the area. As the dream was realized, the canal port grew into the great city of Chicago, while local citizens patented agricultural and industrial innovations that made this the richest economic zone the world had ever seen.

In three six-day workshops offered by Canal Corridor Association and Lewis University (held June 20-25, July 5-10, and July 26-31, 2004), teachers studied the Canal Era and the history of the I&M Canal to better understand 19^th Century America. Use the links below to explore lesson plans that were developed during the workshop.

Lesson Plans

Sponsored by Lewis University and the Canal Corridor Association

Last modified 10/28/04 Created by Seung Kim