Ottawa, Illinois
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One of the most expensive and elaborate Italianate homes constructed prior to the Civil War can be found in Ottawa. The Reddick Mansion was built by William Reddick in 1856. The three-story, 22-room mansion is said to have cost $25,000 to build. When Reddick died, the mansion was donated to the City of Ottawa for use as a public library. In 1974, after nearly a century of use, the library moved out of the mansion. Several rooms have been restored and currently the mansion is home to several non-profit organizations as well as the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. The Reddick Mansion is located at 100 West Lafayette. For additional information call (815) 433-4995.
Ottawa’s Washington Park was the site of the first
Lincoln-Douglas Debate on August 21, 1858. More than 40,000 spectators
gathered at the park to view the event. The debate is commemorated with
a boulder and bronze plaque at the debate site. Washington Park also includes
several war memorials honoring American soldiers from the Civil War through
the Vietnam War. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and is located at the center of town between Lafayette and La Salle
Streets.
For a wonderful, relaxing way to explore Ottawa, visitors should consider
taking Ottawa’s Historic Auto Tour. The tour includes
26 historic homes, buildings, and sites that showcase the historic heritage
of Ottawa. The tour book has a wealth of information on each location
as well as a map and directions. To obtain a copy of the tour book, stop
by Ottawa’s Visitors' Center at 100 West Lafayette or call (888)
699-2924.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal was completed in 1848 and provided the first water route from the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico by connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. The canal was constructed to measure 60 feet wide and 6 feet deep and stretched nearly 100 miles. Fifteen locks were built on the canal to accommodate the differences in elevation. The monumental project cost more than six million dollars. Barges moved through the canal by way of mules and horses pulling them on tow paths located on each side of the canal. In 1933 the Illinois & Michigan Canal was closed when the Illinois Waterway was completed. Since the closing, the Illinois & Michigan Canal has been developed for recreational activities. The I & M State Trail has modified 60 miles of tow paths to serve as hiking, biking and snowmobile trails. For more information call (815) 433-2220.
The La Salle County Historical Society Museum is located in a restored pre-civil war stone warehouse in Utica. The museum contains a wealth of early La Salle County history with period furnishings, clothing, farm tools, and Indian artifacts. Displays include a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and an exhibit on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. For details call (815) 667-4861.
The Ottawa Scouting Museum preserves the rich history of Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting, and Camp Fire. Located at 1100 Canal Street, the museum offers a variety of memorabilia from uniforms to literature collections. Also housed at the museum is the Ziteman Collection from Rockford, the Sullivan Collection from Friendship Village, as well as a wealth of local items. Call the museum at (815) 431-9353 for additional information.