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The canal terminus
LaSalle was platted in 1838 by the Canal Commissioners on land granted to them by the Federal Government. Canal workers and other immigrants made LaSalle their home, and created a booming transportation hub from a quiet bluff originally covered in trees and prairie grasses.

Urban growth
Railroads soon followed along the north, south and east sides of the city to join the river and canal traffic collecting at the newly established hotels, grist mills and warehouses. By 1900, LaSalle had grown from only a few hundred citizens to more than 10,000. Its healthy economy was fueled by successful industries such as glass works, coal mines, brick yards, zinc plants and cement companies.

Entertainment Center
During the 1940s, Kelly and Cawley’s, a local gambling and entertainment establishment, rivaled Las Vegas and helped LaSalle earn the name, “Little Reno.” People traveled from all over Illinois to frequent the many restaurants and night clubs.

Stop by LaSalle’s many restaurants, shops and historic attractions on your way to visit the only restored gates on the I&M Canal at Lock 14.