By 1853 the Wabash and Erie Canal reached Evansville. It opened eastern markets to Indiana farm products. 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 Indiana too.
Many are drawn to its fertile land and stop to set their roots here instead. The Civil War is upon us. Now Indiana will be challenged by the greatest threat ever to strike the nation. Not all her citizens support the Northern view of slavery. We study the final events and concerns that precipitated the war.