Illinois Cities in 1837 The information on the following emerging cities comes from a book held in the collection of the Illinois State Historical Library entitled . At the time of its publication, the book was designed to "give, at the least possible expense, a brief and yet satisfactory account of Illinois, its prominent natural features and productions, plans of internal improvement, prospects and advantages for emigrants, political subdivisions, cities, towns, traveling routes to and from various points, &c. . . Those who are about to remove to this state, or who, for business, pleasure, or health, intend to visit it, or who are interested in its welfare and expect to profit by its prosperity, will probably find "Illinois In 1837" occasionally useful as a work of reference." For twentieth and twenty-first century scholars, this book is extremely valuable as it provides first-hand insight into the every day activities and business of these early Illinois communities. Within the context of the story of Elijah Lovejoy, helps us to visualize several of the towns which became very important to Lovejoy and his abolitionist cause. The city streets and buildings described by the book are the same which Lovejoy encountered in his hometown of Alton or during his many travels over the Illinois prairie to places like Quincy and Jacksonville. | |
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