The Prairie State

A History Of Illinois

A sweeping history of the great state of Illinois.

From the ancient mounds of Cahokia to the skyscrapers of modern Chicago, Illinois has stood at the crossroads of American history for over two centuries. In this sweeping narrative, Daniel Hardy traces the remarkable transformation of the Prairie State from untamed wilderness to agricultural powerhouse to global economic center.

The Prairie State reveals how Illinois shaped—and was shaped by—the great currents of American development. Here are the French explorers navigating mighty rivers, the settlers breaking virgin prairie with John Deere's revolutionary steel plow, and the immigrants who built Chicago into the "City of Big Shoulders." Hardy brings to life the dramatic story of Abraham Lincoln's rise from prairie lawyer to president, the devastating impact of the Great Chicago Fire, and the social upheavals that tested the state during the turbulent 1960s.

With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Hardy shows how Illinois became America's heartland—a place where democracy was tested, industry flourished, and dreams of a better future took root in prairie soil. From Barack Obama's historic rise to ongoing challenges of political reform and economic transformation, The Prairie State captures the enduring significance of Illinois in the American story.

Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how the Midwest shaped the nation.