The Illinois-Michigan canal opened navigation from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi and on to the Gulf of Mexico.  It was key in the development of Chicago as a trade center and in the rise and fall of towns along its banks.  In Ottawa we visited a canal Tollhouse and got a wonderful history lesson from a devoted volunteer we encountered on the grounds.  This small town is hoping to leverage history and historic landmarks to get their town back on the map through tourism.  They have huge projects in the work that are backed by citizens, local government and businesses.  It is great to see such cooperation.  Here’s hoping it all works out.