The settlement of Illinois, 1778-1830 by Arthur Clinton Boggess
Read "The settlement of Illinois, 1778-1830 by Arthur Clinton Boggess" Online
This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.
START READING FULL BOOKBook Preview
A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.
Arthur Clinton Boggess's book isn't a novel with a single plot, but it tells an incredible true story. It covers the wild half-century after the Revolutionary War when Illinois went from a distant frontier outpost to a full-fledged state. The 'characters' are the waves of settlers, soldiers, politicians, and Native American communities all colliding. The story follows how the U.S. government tried to manage this chaos through laws and treaties, how massive land companies tried to get rich, and how ordinary families risked everything to build new lives in a challenging and often dangerous place.
Why You Should Read It
This book makes you feel the grit and uncertainty of the time. Boggess uses sources like old letters, government records, and newspaper accounts to show the human side of expansion. You get a real sense of the high stakes: for a settler, a failed crop could mean starvation; for a Native American leader, a signed treaty could mean the loss of a homeland. It strips away the romance of the frontier and shows the complicated political games and hard choices that built a state.
Final Verdict
Perfect for history buffs who love deep dives into a specific time and place, and for anyone from Illinois or the Midwest curious about their roots. It's detailed and well-researched, so it's not a breezy read, but it's written clearly enough for a dedicated general reader. If you enjoyed books like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee or The Pioneers by David McCullough, you'll find a fascinating, ground-level companion here.
This masterpiece is free from copyright limitations. Share knowledge freely with the world.
Daniel Williams
1 year agoSolid story.
Linda Miller
10 months agoSolid story.
Mark Moore
6 months agoTo be perfectly clear, the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. Don't hesitate to start reading.