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tour:
Ottawa
Area | Morris
Valley
Towns
The sandstone bluffs that define the northern edge of the Illinois River
valley overlook the towns of Seneca and Marseilles. Numerous campgrounds,
parks, trails and picnic areas are located along this scenic stretch of
the I&M Canal Passage. The combination of fertile farmland with abundant
water power and canal, and after 1853, railroad
,
transportation made the towns centers of shipping. Industry thrived, especially
in Marseilles where the Illinois River Rapids created hydroelectric power.
©2002 Canal Corridor Association