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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE 175th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL
WHEREAS; The Illinois & Michigan (I&M) Canal opened in 1848 to connect the American heartland to New York Harbor on the east and to New Orleans to the south by water; thereby extending the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS; This water highway became an important transportation corridor enhancing commerce and trading, bringing people and capital to Illinois and was instrumental in the development of the towns along its waterway; and
WHEREAS; The I&M Canal gave birth to the growth of the Illinois cities of Chicago, Lemont, Lockport, Seneca, Channahon, Utica, Joliet, Ottawa, Morris, LaSalle-Peru; and
WHEREAS; The I&M Canal upon completion linked the Illinois River with Lake Michigan; finalizing an all-water route from New York to New Orleans and establishing a water highway to the west; and
WHEREAS; The 96-mile I&M Canal ushered in a new era in trade and travel and set the stage for Illinois to become our Nation’s most populous inland Empire and home to the nation’s greatest inland port; and
WHEREAS; The I&M Canal was designated as an National Historic Landmark in 1963 and our Nation’s First National Heritage area in 1984; and the Canal Corridor Association designated the coordinating entity for the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area in 2006; and
WHEREAS; the 17th District of Cook County is within the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area boundaries designated by the US Congress; and
WHEREAS; Today visitors, residents, and school children can visit the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area (IMCNHA) from Chicago to Peru and enjoy historic, cultural, and natural resources, including its many trails, prairies, historic canal towns, museums, attractions, and festivals, including experiencing a ride on a mule pulled canal boat.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison and the entire Cook County Board do hereby celebrate and commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the opening of the I&M Canal, recognizing and appreciating the IMCNHA for all the historical, recreational and educational opportunities and experiences it has to offer Cook County Residents and beyond; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and the two hundred and forty-seventh year of the Independence of the United States of America, we join the I&M Canal Corridor Association and many others in celebrating the canal’s 175th anniversary.
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