The industrial, commercial Illinois is being born. The first stage in this conversion comes in improved transportation, namely canals to carry goods between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Opening the interior of Illinois to global as well as national shipping will present a worldwide market to the Illinois farmer. The significance of the transition taking place draws our attention to the stages of history as we are studying them. From railroads to wagon trains, this issue concentrates on transportation and westward migration.
Railroads connect with the canals.
California is no sooner American domain than gold is found. Masses of fortune hunters join in a rush. Prairie schooners loaded with families bound for Oregon come through Illinois too. Many are drawn to its fertile land and stop to set their roots here instead. The Civil War is just about upon us.