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I N T H E S P O T L I G H T By Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker
We selected four Illinois historical places as premier destinations for our new travel book America’s Living History-The Early Years. They rank as exceptional tourist destinations because a visit feels in many ways like “time travel.” You’ll be surprised to find how valuable that experience is in today’s world. *** Lincoln’s New Salem - Petersburg, IL - At first glance, this is an 1830s commercial village filled with home businesses, general stores and early industry. But the moment you begin to talk with the costumed interpreters, you will realize that you have walked into a “great American story.” Back in 1831, a poor, young Abraham Lincoln came here to work after his first trip away from home. He needed to make his own way in the world but struggled in New Salem, trying to find himself. He had a series of odd jobs and businesses, none very successful, before finally settling on a direction for his life. This village was a pivotal stop on his path to becoming our nation’s sixteenth President. Lincoln’s New Salem is interesting on two levels: it tells how a person’s goals, plans and hopes can take shape and lead to great things despite a tough start in life. It also tells how villages that focused on providing goods and services were the forerunners of modern shopping centers. New Salem had an “anchor business” (the saw and grist mill) plus a furniture builder, leather worker, hat maker, several shopkeepers, a doctor and people doing odd jobs such as splitting rails. In fact, residence was pretty much based on job skills. Consider visiting the first weekend in August when Historic Wrestling is a special event. (Abraham Lincoln was a wrestler in his early 20s.) See http://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com for details. *** Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - Collinsville, IL - About eight miles east of St. Louis, Missouri, in an area that is naturally flat, a number of man-made earthworks rise above a vast open space, beckoning all who come to discover the rich tapestry of life that comprised the Mississippian Indian Culture. Regardless of how much you know about America’s Native Peoples, you are likely to find this World Heritage Site eye opening. At Cahokia’s peak around A.D. 1100-1200, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people lived here. The nobility literally towered above everyone else, presiding over religious, social and political matters from atop huge earthen mounds. The largest ancient earthwork in the Americas, Monks Mound, remains to this day - 14 acres at its base and 100 feet tall. Its footprint is larger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Perhaps the greatest lessons to be learned at Cahokia are in the exceptional 33,000-square-foot interpretive center. Not only does this center provide a fine orientation film and highly informative exhibits, it also has a life-like walk-through village diorama. Coming up in August are several workshops and a special event called Archaeology Day. For details, see http://www.cahokiamounds.com/calendar.html *** Fort de Chartres State Historic Site - Prairie du Rocher, IL - You will first see this fortification from a distance, just as others did long ago. It is an imposing sight, a stone fortress standing alone on the landscape and looking impenetrable. A coat-of-arms over the entrance reminds us: this was French Territory. During the 1700s, Fort de Chartres was strategically positioned to help protect France’s claims to the center of our continent, and it played an important role until its surrender to the British after the French and Indian War. In its day, the fort was said to be just a musket shot away from the Mississippi River. That was undoubtedly useful. But like its predecessors, which were built of wood, it ultimately fell to the river’s onslaught. Today’s fort is a partial reconstruction. The north wall is complete with its bastions, musket ports, cannon embrasures and gatehouse. Key structures are outfitted. Less-important buildings have been framed with wood - using a technique called “ghosting” - to provide a vision of their original shape and size. Consider attending the French Colonial Crafts & Trades event in mid-September, which offers a variety of hands-on activities. For details, see http://www.ftdechartres.com/calendar/calendar_day/1396769/2007-9-16.htm *** Historic Nauvoo - Nauvoo, IL - Recalling the early days of the Mormon Church, Historic Nauvoo is an important part of our nation’s religious heritage. Whatever your viewpoint - Mormon or not, religious or not - you are likely to gain important insight by visiting this extraordinary 1840s community. Nauvoo was the place where Mormon pioneers came together to live, worship and establish what they hoped would be their homeland. After their founder was murdered in a neighboring town, most of the people became disillusioned and left. Some returned to their former religion (often Methodism); others became members of various Mormon sects; and a large group followed Brigham Young west to what is now Salt Lake City, Utah. In the mid-1900s, descendants of the early Mormons returned to Illinois to restore their ancestral community and rebuild their vandalized Temple. Today, you will find much to see and do here as a tourist. Wander on your own along the tree-shaded streets. Take tours of the many historic buildings, furnished in period. And see demonstrations of pioneer life. Summer season activities continue through early September. For upcoming events, click on http://www.beautifulnauvoo.com/site/default.asp?pg=pages/calendar.asp *** Like other places showcased in our new book, America’s Living History-The Early Years, these four destinations have a special purpose: they bring history to life, making real what can only be imagined through books, museums, movies and TV shows. We hope you will take the time to see them in person. They are important to know about and entertaining to visit. © 2007 Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker • All rights reserved • www.AmericasLivingHistory.com Please feel free to use all or part of this article in your newspaper or newsletter, post it on your blog or email it to friends, family, whomever. We ask only that you credit the authors and include a link to our website. | ||
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