Best of: Book explores Illinois' journey to statehood
January 02, 2023 Produced by Christine Hatfield 'During the eventful months of 1817 and 1818, the themes that have defined the Prairie State consis...
January 02, 2023 Produced by Christine Hatfield 'During the eventful months of 1817 and 1818, the themes that have defined the Prairie State consistently throughout its history – patronage, race, infrastructure, and political intrigue – marked Illinois's unique transformation from territory to state.' That's a passage from the new book, Avenues of Transformation: Illinois's Path From Territory to State by James A. Edstrom. He teaches state and American history as a professor of library services and history at Harper College in Palatine.