A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest
The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near Grafton, Illinois.
Importance to Native Americans and Early Trade
Before modern infrastructure, waterways were the lifeblood of transportation and trade. For Native American tribes, the Illinois River served as a vital travel route, a source of food, and a natural connection between communities. When French traders arrived in North America, they quickly recognized its value.
Linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi
The Illinois River became the principal water route connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. This made it a strategic corridor for trade and settlement. French colonial settlements developed along these rivers, and together they formed the heart of what was known as “Illinois Country” during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Lasting Legacy
The Illinois River not only shaped the economic development of the Midwest but also played a pivotal role in agricultural expansion. Its legacy as a transportation and trade hub remains deeply tied to the history of American farming and settlement.