Both Lemont's history and architectural uniqueness connect to the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Construction of the I&M Canal began in 1837 and stands as one of the last major canal undertakings in the United States (the Hennepin Canal opened in 1907). When it was completed in 1848, it provided a continuous waterway stretching from New York (through the Erie Canal, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan to Chicago, then through the I&M Canal for entering the Illinois River at LaSalle, Illinois, to the Mississippi River, to New Orleans) to the Gulf of Mexico.
Both Lemont's history and architectural uniqueness connect to the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) Construction of the I&M Canal began in 1837 and stands as one of the last major canal undertakings in the United States (the Hennepin Canal opened in 1907) When it was completed in 1848 it provided a continuous waterway stretching from New York (through the Erie Canal Lake Erie Lake Huron and Lake Michigan to Chicago then through the I&M Canal for entering the Illinois River at LaSalle Illinois to the Mississippi River to New Orleans) to the Gulf of Mexico