‘Crossroads of the Nation: The Hidden History of the Railroads of Illinois’ presented by Simon Cordery. The saying, “a hog can travel non-stop from coast to coast, but a person must change in Chicago,” confirms the Windy City’s status as the hub of the American railroad system. But Chicago is only one facet of the fascinating history of Illinois railroads. Simon Cordery, railway historian and historical advisor to the National Railroad Hall of Fame, explains the expansion of the railroad industry in the Land of Lincoln, demonstrates how the Prairie State fits into the pattern of national railroad development, and explores the national political significance of the history of railroads in Illinois. All aboard!
Simon Cordery holds a PhD in History from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently Assistant Professor of History at Monmouth College. He has received several awards and fellowships for his research projects, and has been the Historical Advisor to the National Railroad Hall of Fame Project in Galesburg, Illinois, since 2002.
Recorded live at the Highland Park Library on November 29, 2007 by WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified.