Pioneers of Northeastern Illinois

In the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor one may find northeastern Illinois history, Irish genealogy, gravestone art in pioneer cemeteries and the history of the earliest Catholic priests to minister along the canal. Irish immigrants came to northeastern Illinois in 1836 to build the canal and stayed to build communities. They lived,worked and died along the I & M Canal and are buried in Catholic cemeteries such as the St. James at Sag Bridge Cemetery near Lemont, Illinois.

Search your Irish roots and explore the cultural heritage that the canal represents to Illinois history. Canal Heritage Enterprises offers:

• Self Guided Walking Tour of St. James at
  Sag Bridge Ill. Cemetery.
• The First Catholic Church in Joliet, Illinois with surname indexes for genealogical research.
• The First Chicago Church Records, 1833-44 with surname indexes for genealogical research.
• A free Surname index check is now available on this site to find your ancestors. Click Joliet and Chicago to search the indexes in the books that are for sale.
  
• Be sure to also check the Illinois State Archives on line databases for your ancestors.
• The chronology of early Catholic settlements.
• The Founders of St. James Church and Cemetery
• New!! The Sag Centennial Souvenir Booklet 1933
  
• Our Canal Heritage a DVD production to be released.
• Electronic Transfer of Gravestone Photographs

These materials and services can assist you in understanding the history of the Illinois and Michigan and Canal and help you discover your ancestor's place in history. Consider ordering both books as a reference to local history. The Illinois and Michigan Canal can also be explored on this linked site which is also maintained by Nancy. Copyright Nancy Thornton, 2002-2011.