A history of Atlanta, Ill.
[APRIL 24, 2000]  Twelve Momentous Years In The Other Atlanta, 1853-1865:  With Post Civil War Glimpses of Central Illinois.”  Norma Adams Price and Paul A. Adams, Beverly-Merriam, 2000, 184 pages.

Over the last three years there has been a resurgence of local history publishing in Logan County.  Books such as Paul Gleason’s “Lincoln: A Pictorial History,” Gwen Suttory Rosenfeld’s “Elkhart Is Like A Box Of Chocolates” and “Make Tracks To Latham: 125the Anniversary, 1872-1997” by Mary Ann Radtke and Sue Cundall have all captured the unique history that is our heritage.  The latest addition to this body of local authorship comes from Logan County natives Norma Price Adams and her brother Paul A. Adams.

 

 

“Twelve Momentous Years In The Other Atlanta, 1853 – 1865” is a well-researched and beautifully illustrated book on the founding and early history of this rural farming community.  The book opens by describing the events leading up to the coming of the new Chicago and Mississippi Railroad and its important rail line between Springfield and Alton.  It is this rail line that in 1853 gave birth to the small town of Xenia.  On Feb. 14, 1855, an act by the Illinois Legislature changed the town’s name to Atlanta.  Over the next 12 years the ideal location of this small community along the rail line would attract settlers from all over the United States.  The authors expertly document these settlers and their attempt to build a community out on the prairie.  The hardships of farming in a land of tall grass, bogs and swamps illustrate the hardy breed that first inhabited the area. Other notable achievements included the development of businesses and the establishment of different religious congregations.

 

 

Midway through the book, the story turns from settlement and progress to the next great event that effected Atlanta: the approaching War Between the States.  Beginning with Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 order for the mobilization of men for the Union Army, Price and Adams take the reader through the Civil War era as experienced by the Atlanta community.  Throughout the book the authors have weaved a rich imagery of incidents, events and stories based on their research of existing records.  The archival materials they consulted include letters and correspondence, diaries, newspapers, military rosters, oral histories, census records and the records of Logan County.  By using these sources, Price and Adams have captured the essence of the personalities and events that shaped the history of Atlanta and the surrounding area.

 

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“Twelve Momentous Years In The Other Atlanta” is a joy to read and a wonderful visual experience.  The book contains the names of many individuals who have moved on to Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, California and Oregon.  It also uses many different kinds of illustrations including old photographs, line drawings, maps, plats and newspaper reproductions.  The binding and publication values are of the highest quality, especially the cream-colored paper used to eliminate glare.  There is a handy name index for genealogical researchers as well as 10 different subjects covered in the appendix.  The authors’ writing style makes these experiences and episodes on the prairie come to life for the reader.  They also exhibit great skill and meticulous care as compilers of recorded information, compilations that support the rich history of this community. “Twelve Momentous Years In the Other Atlanta” is highly recommended for a wide audience of readers.  Logan County history buffs, family researchers, railroad enthusiasts and Civil War historians will all find this book an entertaining read and an invaluable contribution to the history of Atlanta and Logan County.  

 

 

For information on purchasing a copy of this book, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 217-732-8878.

 

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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