I came up with the idea for this project almost two years ago. Since then, I have road tripped across some 34,000 miles of Great River Road blacktop; eaten at dives and fine dining establishments; slept in flea bag motels and in royal comfort; visited dozens of small town museums and libraries; danced the salsa
Cyrus Hill; Revolutionary War veteran I have an unnatural interest in graveyards, I suppose. When I was a more active genealogist a few years ago, trips to cemeteries were just part of the routine. While I always hoped that the next cemetery would be the one with critical clues to open up a new generation
In honor of Election Day, I offer three short stories of nineteenth century political games in Mississippi River towns. As new areas were settled, communities fought contentious political battles over the location of the county seat, like these places did. Enjoy! Rock Island County (Illinois) In 1833, Hampton and rival Farnhamsburg (now Rock Island) competed
Hey, everyone. I'm currently on vacation, traveling around the Southwest US. I'll post a new blog about the River Road when I get home next week. Until then, feel free to poke around in the archives or check out the photos.
When I think of cranberries I think of New England. Maybe you think of Thanksgiving or scones or how they taste with a little vodka, but I think of New England. Now I’m going to start thinking of Wisconsin. You may think of Wisconsin as the dairy state (and the place where you don't need
I’ve been reading a lot of local histories lately. As I come across stories that get my attention, I'll share them with you, like this one from Potosi, Wisconsin. During the pioneer years in Potosi, brothers Samuel and Henry Redman were ornery cusses. They lived in Dutch Hollow, a German community that began life as
