The Illinois and Michigan Canal has been closed for longer than it was open. But in its time, it was as important to commerce and transportation as the Interstate highways and airports are today. Monday marked 175 years since the canal opened. Starting a year-long celebration, the Canal Corridor Association had an Abraham Lincoln impersonator tell how important the canal was.

That was Lincoln actor Kevin J. Wood in Ottawa’s Washington Park. He also made stops in Joliet and Morris. Other events over the next year will include telling stories about the people and events in the canal’s history.