Synopses & Reviews
True Tales from the Prairie States Past—from the Lincoln-Douglas debates to Rod Blagojevichs rise and fall From the fortunes (and failures) of the Chicago Cubs for the past century to so many other fascinating events in the Windy City, Springfield, and beyond for generations, Illinois has long been a compelling mix of politics, war, religion, and the just plain weird. It Happened in Illinois goes behind the scenes to tell the story, in short episodes, of the intriguing people and events that have shaped the Prairie State. • Read all about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the 1894 walkout by Pullman Palace Car workers in Chicago that cascaded into the first truly national labor strike. • Reflect on the tragic race riot in Springfield in 1908, which helped create the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) a few months later. • Recall Disco Demolition Night at Chicagos Comiskey Park in 1979, when a near riot by an anti- disco crowd marked the beginning of the end of the dance musics popularity.
Synopsis
This book offers an inside look at over 25 interesting and unusual episodes that shaped the history of the Hoosier State. From the 1908 race riots in Springfield to Ron Blagojevich's impeachment in 2009, this book will cover a wide range of Illinois history.
Synopsis
This book offers an inside look at over 25 interesting and unusual episodes that shaped the history of the Hoosier State. From the 1908 race riots in Springfield to Ron Blagojevich's impeachment in 2009, this book will cover a wide range of Illinois history.
About the Author
Richard Moreno served as publisher of Nevada Magazine and has authored seven Nevada-related books. A former Director of Advertising and Public Relations for the Nevada Commission on Tourism, he was selected as a 2007 recipient of the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Silver Pen award.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. 1673 Jolliet and Marquette Discover Illinois
2. 1778 The Americans Take Over (Battle for Kaskaskia)
3. 1832 The Blackhawk War
4. 1837 The First Abolitionist Martyr: Elijah Lovejoy
5. 1844 The Murder of Joseph Smith
6. 1846 The Donner Party Departs from Springfield
7. 1858 Debates that Shaped a Nation: Abraham Lincoln vs. Stephen A. Douglas
8. 1860 The Lady Elgin” Sinks
9. 1871 The Great Chicago Fire
10. 1876 The Plot to Steal Abraham Lincolns body
11. 1887 The Chatsworth Train Disaster
12. 1894 Pullmans Strike
13. 1903 The Iroquois Theater Fire
14. 1908 Springfields Race Riots
15. 1909 The Cherry Coal Mine Tragedy
16. 1917 The East St. Louis Riot
17. 1922 The Herrin Massacre
18. 1925 The Tri-States Tornado Strike
19. 1926 Williamsons Countys Birger-Shelton Gang War
20. 1931 Al Capone Goes to Prison
21. 1933 Major League Baseballs First All-Star Game
22. 1934 Death of an Outlaw: John Dillinger Gunned Down
23. 1947 The Centralia Mine Explosion
24. 1969 The Chicago Seven Trial
25. 1979 Chicagos Improbable Disco Record Riot
26. 1979 Americas Worst Air Disaster: The Crash of American Airlines Flight 191
27. 1982 Chicagos Tylenol Murder Mystery
28. 2008 Death in the Classroom: Shootings at Northern Illinois University
29. 2009 The Impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojovech