July 4th, 1836
The Groundbreaking Of The I&M Canal
Happy 4th of July, everyone, and welcome to another edition of Canal Stories, a series brought to you by the Canal Corridor Association to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and the communities that were shaped by its legacy. Believe it or not, July 4th is not only the anniversary of our nation’s independence, it also marks the groundbreaking of the I&M Canal, which occurred on this day back in 1836, and featured a bit more excitement than was originally planned. Today, we’re traveling back in time as we explore two newspaper articles which detail the accounts of the day, from pomp and circumstance to violent protest.
The first and most detailed article, “Canal Celebration at Chicago on the 4th of July,” was published on August 5th, 1836.
''The exercises of the day, as was anticipated, were of the most interesting character. At about 11 o’clock, A. M., the steamboat bearing the name of this proud metropolis, started from the bridge at Dearborn Street, with her decks and cabin crowded with ladies, citizens, strangers, and invited guests. The schooners Sea Serpent, Llewellyn, and other lighter craft drawn by horses, followed in her wake. The day was fine, and all seemed to enjoy the occasion with cordial good feeling.
They ascended the south branch of the river, with imposing music and floating banners, to the place of the commencement of the work which was about to be celebrated. The people assembled at the new house fitted up for the occasion, at Canal Port. The Declaration of Independence was then read by Judge Smith, after which an appropriate and eloquent address was delivered by Dr. W. B. Eagan. They then repaired to the spot where the excavation commences. Col. Archer, the Acting Commissioner, after a short address, then broke the ground, amidst the shouts and cheers of the assembled multitude. He was followed in this exercise by the Honorable Judges Smith and Brown, of the Supreme Court, and Col. G. S. Hubbard, Canal Commissioner, who severally addressed the people in a manner appropriate and worthy of the occasion. A history of the incipiency of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which has been in contemplation for the last twelve years, was sketched: and the immense benefits which its completion will bestow upon the people and the glory it will shed upon the state, were dwelt upon with enthusiasm by every speaker.
Col. Hubbard, in an impressive manner, contrasted the condition of this place and the northern part of Illinois eighteen years ago, when he first ascended the Chicago river, in a canoe, while all north of St. Louis was one uninhabited waste, except by wandering Indians, with its present prosperous and thriving aspect, its active and enterprising population, intelligence, and beauty. The wilderness has indeed become a fruitful field, and the solitary places are made glad with the hum of business and the voices of pleasure. This country is moving on 'like a young and healthy giant, with a step more like romance than reality;' and the union of this chain of mighty lakes with the 'father of waters' removes all bounds to its growth and extent of commerce. After partaking of the collation prepared at Canal Port, all repaired to the boats.
But the commencement of another important chain of incidents which will be attendant upon the construction of the Canal remained to be celebrated. The steamboat Chicago on her way down, was assailed by a small corps of Irishmen, who stationing themselves at the stone quarry on the banks of the river showered full vollies of stones amidst the thick crowd of ladies and gentlemen on the upper deck. The order was immediately given 'to land.' Some fifty passengers leaped ashore, some with bludgeons, and to some 'furor arma ministrat.' The assailants were soon led, covered with blood and wounds captive to the boat, where they were safely lodged in the hold, and brought into town. Thus ended the first campaign; and though the capture of a dozen Irishmen is no great feat, yet western men have an admirable tact at doing these things which the 'heroes of the Emerald Isle' may not have learned.” -Chicago American p. 3, col. 1 and 2
The second article, "Fourth of July," was published on July 6, 1836, and provides a more concise synopsis of the day’s events.
"While the citizens of the various towns and cities of the United States were making great preparations to usher in and celebrate this glorious day—a day which should be remembered and celebrated by every American—the citizens of the town of Chicago, (with the exception of a few who could not conceal their emotions of gratitude and assembled late in the afternoon to testify their joy by a discharge of fifty two rounds of artillery) remaining idle observers of that day on which half a century since our forefathers staked their lives, their honor and their fortunes for the purchase of liberty.
A few of our more turbulent citizens, and those who were lovers of fun and frolic, attempted to visit our neighboring town, Canal Port, whose citizens were more patriotic than our own, and for that purpose having chartered the Steam Boat Chicago, and two Schooners, started for that town. We understand, however, that the steam boat was prevented from proceeding up the river as far as that point, owing either to her getting stuck in the mud, or to fears that she would not be able to turn in the river: the schooners were more successful, having been enabled to reach this beautiful and populous town. After having partaken of the jollification prepared by the citizens of Canal Port, the guests started to return, but before arriving in town, from some cause or other, the party or parties kicked up a row, (the particulars of which we have not learned) out of which came a number of broken heads and bloody noses. Thus was the Fourth of July celebrated by Chicagoans." p. 2, col 4
That concludes today’s Canal Story. Thank you so much for joining us as we continue our journey through the history of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, pass it along to your family and friends, have a safe and happy holiday, and we’ll see you again very soon.