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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. |
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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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top of second column)
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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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