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Frontier Illinois (History of the Trans-Appalachian Frontier)
Frontier Illinois - History of the Trans-Appalachian Frontier Author:James E. Davis "A comprehensive, readable history of this distinctive prairie state before the Civil War. . . . This deft synthesis of existing knowledge is likely to become the standard modern history of Illinois." --Kirkus Reviews " . . . an incisive portrait of prairie society." --Choice "Extensively researched, and with excellent endnotes, Frontier Illin... more »ois is an important study. A lively account of how the frontier gave shape to the later state, it questions traditional stereotypes of the West and offers a new outlook as to the real nature of the Illinois frontier." --Journal of the Early Republic In this engaging history of the frontier period of Illinois from the earliest civilizations to the eve of the Civil War-James Davis keeps us mindful of what happened to Illinois' ordinary people. One of his most important findings, and a major theme of this book, is the relative absence of violence-at least after the Blackhawk War of 1832 which removed the last substantial Indian presence from the state. Among whites, however, whether they came from the upland South or from Yankee roots, struggles over land, court houses, county seats, railroads, markets, and even the explosive fugitive slave question were resolved with a minimum of bloodshed.« less