History of Marseilles Lock and Dam in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

Marseilles Lock and Dam, also known as Lock and Dam 5, is a lock and dam complex situated on the Illinois River in Marseilles, Illinois. It encompasses a lock, dam, control station, boiler house, and a 2.5-mile navigation canal. The state of Illinois initiated the project in 1920 by constructing the canal, which was completed in 1925. Subsequently, the state embarked on the construction of the lock, dam, and control station. However, owing to financial constraints, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized these projects. Walter Mickle Smith served as the chief design engineer for the complex, which was ultimately completed in 1933. The lock facilitates a water level drop of 24 feet.

1920: Illinois Begins Canal Work

In 1920, the state of Illinois started constructing a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) navigation canal as part of the Marseilles Lock and Dam complex project.

1925: Canal Completed

In 1925, the state of Illinois finished the 2.5 miles (4.0 km) navigation canal, which was part of the Marseilles Lock and Dam complex project that began in 1920.

1933: Complex Completed

In 1933, the Marseilles Lock and Dam complex was completed. The state of Illinois started the work in 1920 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished the project.

2004: Listed on National Register of Historic Places

In 2004, the lock and dam complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including two contributing buildings and three contributing structures.

April 18, 2013: Towing Vessel Collides with Dam Complex

On April 18, 2013, the uninspected towing vessel Dale A. Heller, pushing 14 barges, collided with the dam complex during high water flow. Seven barges hit the dam, sinking four of them, and damaging gates 2 through 6, which caused flooding in Marseilles. Repairs were estimated to cost $40-50 million.