Journey back Inside The Blanket Fort this week as we continue our discussion of the book co-authored by Gary Marx, Illinois Trails & Traces: Portraits and Stories along the State’s Historic Routes.
This SIU Press publication brings history into the present, taking the reader on a journey down early buffalo traces and Native American trails and then showing how these paths evolved into wagon roads and paved highways of Illinois. Marx and co-author Dan Overturf explore historic routes ranging from Route 66 to the Underground Railroad, all the way back to post-Ice Age animal migration trails followed by Paleo-Indian people, and they examine how rivers, canals, and railroads spurred the rapid rise of Illinois as a modern state.
Last fall, author Gary Marx prepared a recorded presentation for the Delta Awards ceremony at Southern Illinois University’s Morris Library where Illinois Trails and Traces was honored. In that recording, he discusses the book’s inspiration and impact. Sadly, Gary has since passed away, but we wanted to share his recording with you now.