Situated on the Kaskaskia River is the community of Vandalia, Illinois, a town proud of its place in history and excited about its future. Vandalia has proved that as the place where Abraham Lincoln began his political career, and the location of the terminus of the Cumberland Road, it is a town of global historical importance. Vandalia, Illinois contains many previously unpublished photographs, and not only highlights Vandalia's place in Illinois state politics, but also touches on those unique individuals, families, events, and businesses that helped shape it. Vandalia served as Illinois' capital from 1819-1839, when Springfield took over that honor. During the 20 years it served as the capital of Illinois, Vandalia became the starting point for many political and professional careers-most notably a young, beardless Abe Lincoln.
For Want of a Nail is an alternate history classic. The outcome of one battle in the American Revolution diverges from reality, and sparks an unstoppable chain of events which affects the history of the whole North American continent. In reality, the British general John Burgoyne, heavily outnumbered by American troops, surrendered his army to General Horatio Gates at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a major turning-point of the Revolution. Robert Sobel takes a step sideways and presents the alternative version: reinforcements arrive at Saratoga, Gates' men flee, and Burgoyne is victorious. Rather than openly allying itself with the American rebels, France withdraws its support, as does Spain, and the colonies surrender. Those former rebels who refuse to live in the Confederation of North America established by the British leave their homes and settle in what becomes the United States of Mexico. From then on the two continental nations find themselves constant rivals, locked in military, political and economic conflict. Sobel provides a detailed, intricately documented insight into two warring powers that develop in such dramatically different ways from their shared origins.
Helvetia: A Swiss Village in the Hills of West Virginia explores the unique founding and development of a community nestled within the wilderness of Appalachia. Established in 1869, this tiny Swiss settlement embodies the American immigrant experience, reflecting the steadfast desire of settlers to preserve cultural traditions and values while adapting to new and extraordinary surroundings. From ramp suppers to carnivals, traditional architecture, folk music, and cheese making, this book documents a living community by exploring the ethnic customs, farming practices, community organization, and language maintenance of Helvetia residents. Drawing upon a diverse body of resources such as Swiss and American archival documents and local oral accounts, this chronicledepicts the everyday social and economic life of this village during the past two centuries. Helvetia celebrates a small community where residents and visitors alike continue to practice a Swiss American culture that binds an international history to a local heritage. Long out of print, this reissued edition of the history of Helvetia contains a new introduction, a concise index, a bibliography, an appendix of foreign-born immigrants, and an exquisite photographic essay featuring archival images of a Swiss village still thriving within the isolated backcountry of central West Virginia.
OHIO ENCYCLOPEDIA is the definitive reference work on Ohio ever published. The noted Ohio historian Michael S. Mangus from Ohio State University has written articles on Introduction to Ohio History, Early History of Ohio, and Ohio History. These articles cover the history of Ohio, from the early explorers to twenty-first century events. Other major sections in this reference work are Ohio Symbols and Designations, Geography and Topography of Ohio, Profiles of Ohio Governors, Chronology of Ohio Historic Events, Dictionary of Ohio Places, Ohio Constitution, Bibliography of Ohio Books, Pictorial Scenes of Ohio, State Executive Offices, State Agencies, Departments and Offices, Ohio Senators, Ohio Assembly Members, U.S. Senators and U.S. Congress members from Ohio, Directory of Ohio Historic Places and Index. All sections contain the latest up to date information on the Buckeye State.OHIO ENCYCLOPEDIA contains stunning photographs and portraits to compliment the expertly written text. Population charts are arranged alphabetically by city or town name, and by county. This allows students easy access to find population figures for their area of interest. Other population charts list all places in Ohio by largest populated places to least populated places by city or county. Several directories contain information on elected state and federal officials along with their contact information including mail and email addresses, phone and fax numbers. Easy to use reference maps are included to find your newly elected state or federal officials. The Directory of State Services lists the head officials and full contact information on state agencies and departments, some of which were just newly created by the legislature. The Directory of Ohio Historic Places contains all the latest up to date information on every Ohio historic place. The Bibliography includes that latest books published on Ohio people and places. A detailed Index makes the work thoroughly referential. OHIO ENCYCLCOPEDIA offers librarians, teachers and students a single source reference work that provides the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Ohio and its history.
