Fox River Aqueduct

Hiking

Dry Fox River Aqueduct

The Fox River Aqueduct is the largest of the I and M Canal aqueducts. It is located in Ottawa, Illinois on Champlain St.   The aqueduct is 464 feet in length.  It was built by the Sanger family.  Construction began in 1838 and was completed in the 1840’s.  Construction cost was $100,000.  The support piers were made of limestone and were seven in number. 
     Several modifications were made over the years.  A plate girder bridge was added for the Chicago, Ottawa, and Peoria interurban electric line.  The line was in service from 1903–1934.  This subsequently was converted to a pedestrian bridge.  There was a wagon bridge adjacent to the aqueduct from 1882–1929.  The wood superstructure of the aqueduct was replaced by an iron structure in the 1940’s.  The limestone piers underwent repairs in 1996.
The actual aqueduct was been dry for many years.