I&M Canal to Split Rock points of historic interest.

Along the Illinois & Michigan canal there is a lot of history. Most people have no idea what this area used to look like, but thanks to many photographs and my love for history, railroads, mining and more, I am able to give you a glimpse into the past.
Disclaimer: I am no geologist, and anything mentioned in this video was information I gathered about the subject. Such as how Split Rock came to be. Feel free if anyone is knowledgeable about any topic herein to put t in the comments for others to learn.
My main goal has always been to try to get folks to see the area the way it used to be. Whether it's the Cherry Coal mine, or Mendota in it's railroading heyday. These projects I love to do and I hope someone will be inspired by my work in some way. Part two should be available by March 2024.
Over the years I have had so many folks share their photos with me and I appreciate that. I cannot remember all their names but most I have. They are listed at the end in the credit section. I am sorry if I missed someone. My brain is quite overwhelmed and memory is not as sharp. I felt an incredible need to compile this video because so many people have no clue as to what some of these things they see around the canal and Split Rock. To the many volunteers on the canal boat this is for them too so they can tell the riders more about what that historic area once looked like.
The music I did for this video was done as I was watching the video; so about 40 minutes of pure improvisation and whatever came to my fingers. I hope you all enjoy this video. Maybe someone watching will get into geology or become fascinated with local history, who knows. By springtime of 2024 I should be done with my new painting of Split Rock around 1907. I hope to have them available in the gift shop at Lock 16 visitor center.

[@Andyz892]

Omg…. Ray this is wonderful…..,Ty for making this and sharing it with all of us

[@RayTutajjr]

You are very welcome! Very good to hear from you.!

[@richardczubachowski807]

Awesome video. Old stompin' grounds....makes me homesick.

[@RayTutajjr]

Very glad you like it!

[@willwozniak2826]

GOOD JOB RAY.

[@RayTutajjr]

Thank you Will!

[@TrentonDominy]

Another good video Ray I’ll have to go for a walk along the canal sometime since the weather is nice.

[@RayTutajjr]

Thank you Trenton! We can go for a trip down to Split Rock sometime.

[@matthewholzner9526]

Great video and music, sir! It may be my imagination, but I swear I hard some snippets of "God Bless our Mobile Home" by Steve Goodman in there haha!

[@RayTutajjr]

Hi Matt! Thank you so much for watching. Good to hear from you. Hope you are well.