From its beginnings in the early 19th century at the site where "art triumphed over nature," when the Erie Canal's Flight of Five locks was one of the wonders of the world, Lockport burst almost overnight into a thriving community that eventually outgrew the canal that gave it life. After many years of challenge and change, the city now looks to its glorious past to ensure its future.

Lockport documents the creation and growth of a fascinating city that has played a vital role in American history. Here, the Erie Canal climbed the Niagara Falls escarpment and opened up the Great Lakes to East Coast commerce, a revolutionary achievement that brought unlimited hydroelectric power to western New York, fueling the early industrialization of Lockport. The city was at the forefront of technological and social innovation: the nation's first commercial telegraph line was laid here; the fire hydrant, the district central heating system, and the honeycomb automobile radiator were invented here; the first New York public school system was developed here; the first automatic voting machines were used here; and the National American Music Festival was created here. Lockport salutes the heroes and characters of Lockport's past and highlights the contribution of unsung generations of migrants-Irish, German, Polish and Italian-who built the Lock City's industries, homes, and reputation. It echoes the hum of thriving Main Street stores, bustling Market Street businesses, grand Locust Street homes, and flourishing fruit belt farms. Most of all, it rings with the ceaseless opening and closing of the famous locks that gave the city its name.

This new addition to the Images of America series traces the history of Lockport, Illinois, from the height of its canal activity in the late 1860s to its decline as the lifeblood of the town in the early 20th century. Lockports story is revealed here in over 200 vintage photographs that trace the towns progress from its early days through the 1970s, when the canal reappeared as a recreational and tourist attraction. In Lockport, Illinois: The Old Canal Town, author John Lamb offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Lockports founding fathers, as well as an in-depth look at the Demings family, whose fortunes and livelihoods depict the economic and cultural trends followed by many of Lockports families. Lamb narrates this collection with an insightful text, providing many little-known facts about the town, the people, and the events that have shaped the history of this fascinating canal town.