Construction started in 1836. As funds became scarce, the laborers were paid in scrip. As the scrip became devalued, land was offered in exchange for the scrip. Many of the Irish workers became landowners and other workers sold their land to the new immigrants. Irish settlements were developed along the canal route in the counties of Cook, Grundy, LaSalle and Will.
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The Irish engineering, surveying, political and financial talents provided the impetus to complete the canal. This loan made possible the completion of the canal. The canal was finally opened in 1848. The exchange of land for work enabled the establishment of Irish settlements from Chicago to LaSalle and extended south to Peoria. Fill out form here .