Bicentennial Illinois

The dramatic changes to intermodal transport had far reaching impact upon the course of Illinois history. The building of the Illinois Central Railroad changed the population and culture of Illinois citizens, as it was built. After establishing rail connections from Cairo, Illinois south to Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, the IC expected even more profits. Then the Civil War began and the southern routes were compromised. Although the lines were compromised the IC continued to be very important for the Union cause during the Civil War in several unexpected ways.

Born and educated in Decatur, Illinois, Don taught biology/chemistry at Eisenhower High School for 31 years before retiring in 2000. He is known far and wide as an excellent speaker and his in-depth knowledge of this subject make it a can't miss part of our Bicentennial series.