It Happened in Illinois

It Happened In...

by Richard Moreno

This book offers an inside look at over 25 interesting and unusual episodes that shaped the history of the Hoosier State. From the 1908 race riots in Springfield to Ron Blagojevich's impeachment in 2009, this book will cover a wide range of Illinois history.

Genres: History

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Noah Klick · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my last masters class (History of the American Midwest) we were sent some books in the "It Happened In" series as supplemental readings. They were right up Mr. Klick's History alley. Although they were not the most riveting read, it seemed like every chapter ended with me thinking, "hmmm, thats interesting." I really liked this one because I was born and raised in Illinois so there were so many things that reminded me of my years spent in Illinois.The Black Hawk War also played a huge role into my interest and current writing of a paper about the Midwest and some admirable Native American warriors. From Mormons, to the Donner Party, to Lincoln, to the great fire, to the bizarre plot to ransom Lincolns remains, to tornadoes, to scarface, to John Dillinger, and lastly everyones favorite - BLAGO, this book was just straight up fun for me. Quick and easy read!

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up in Chicago for some light reading for a train ride. It served its purpose. There are about 20 different stories from Illinois past. Lots of them were about tragedies (Chicago fire, coal mine explosions, etc) or crime (organized crime, white collar crime [Blagojavich]). Covers the past 250 years pretty evenly. I learned some things about labor history. I didn't realize the Donner Party started their journey in Springfield (yes, another historical tragedy). Frankly, the content bummed me out!! but maybe that's the nature of most history, hmm?

[Constance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously? I survived over 40 years in Illinois and find this to be an incredibly tragic view of this half-frozen wasteland's history. But what can you expect after 200 years of celebrated occupation. According to wikipedia ~ "In 1818, Illinois achieved statehood. " Still 200 years is 200 years of life, sky and earth so we can looked past that stigma and let birds be birds. I hope Richard Moreno gets some rose colored glasses and gives Illinois another go...would be interesting to read. And by pink, I am including both the positive warm fuzzy history and the feminist.