During the years the I and M canal was active there were several limestone quarries along its course. These were located in Lemont, Lockport, and Joliet.  The limestone was used in building construction locally, construction of canal locks and more distal construction  such as in Chicago.  In Chicago buildings such as the water tower,Holy Name Cathedral, and Old Saint Mary’s Church were constructed with this Limestone.  The laborers that worked in the quarry were immigrants from many countries; large proportion were from Ireland.  The quarries were particularly active after the Chicago fire.  They were used in rebuilding the city. 
     In later years, activity decreased .  This was from competition from limestone mined in Indiana.  This was considered a more durable product.  The Illinois quarries were relegated to producing crushed rock.