Chicago Ship Canal

The Chicago Ship Canal is a waterway built in the early 1900s that connects the Chicago River to the Illinois River, providing a direct route for ships to travel between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Watershed. It allows large commercial vessels to bypass the natural, longer route around Lake Michigan and the need to navigate through complex waterways. The canal also helps control water flow and prevent flooding in Chicago by managing the movement of water between these regions. Overall, it plays a critical role in regional transportation, shipping, and water management.