Gaylord Building

What is Gaylord Building?

The original building is made of yellow limestone, a stone widely used for construction in north central Illinois. In 1859 a three-story addition in the Italianate style was attached, so the structure shows two eras side by side.

It stands right on the canal within Lockport's downtown historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, it operates as a museum, and it is listed as wheelchair accessible and suitable for children.

History of Gaylord Building

Built in 1838, the building was central to the work of constructing the I&M Canal, the waterway that made Lockport. After years of neglect it fell into poor condition. A determined effort to restore and preserve it began in 1983, and that project was later held up as an example for other restorations across the country.

Its place among the National Trust's small group of Historic Sites reflects how important the building is to the story of the canal and of Illinois. It also forms part of the Lockport Historic District, which is itself listed on the National Register.

Visiting Gaylord Building: tips

Allow 30 minutes to an hour inside, plus time to walk along the canal. The rest of Lockport is close by: the Lockport Historic District surrounds it, about 0.1 miles away, the Will County Historical Society Headquarters is about 0.2 miles away, and the site of the Ninth Street Seven Arch Stone Bridge, which was taken down in 2011, lies about 0.3 miles away. A walk linking these spots takes well under an hour and covers the heart of the canal town.