When William McBane and James Wilcox envisioned founding a bustling city on the banks of the Ohio River, they hoped it would be a center of commerce at the gateway to the ever-expanding American West. They needed a name befitting their ambitious vision, and though it may not have matched the grandeur of its founders' intent, Metropolis, Illinois, is the only place in the world that can claim that name as anything more than a descriptor. Located near historic Fort Massac, Metropolis played a vital part in the booming river traffic of the 1800s and was an important manufacturer of steamboats. In addition to its pleasant small-town atmosphere and wide, expansive boulevards ready for the explosive growth that never quite made it there, Metropolis is the hometown of notable figures John Marvin Steele, the D-Day paratrooper made famous in The Longest Day, and the "Man of Steel" himself--Superman.
Father and son Michael E. and Jon M. Bragg, both graduates of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, have roots in southern Illinois that extend back to the mid-1800s. They compiled this book with the invaluable assistance of the Massac County Historical Society and local residents.
The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia [Publishing] is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.
My Thoughts:
I love local history and this book didn't disappoint.
I've only lived here (in Metropolis, Illinois) for about 8 years, but in that small amount of time, my fiance' (a lifelong resident of Metropolis) and I have accumulated some neat pieces of history from this town. This book is now a part of that collection.
This book makes a great "Coffee Table Book".
I Recommend This Book To:
- Current residents of Metropolis, Illinois
- Past residents of Metropolis, Illinois
- Anyone who likes local history
- Fans of Southern Illinois history
This book has great pictures of days gone by and is full of history about the early days of this town. It also has great stories/descriptions of some of this town's influential people.
And That's What Sarah Says!!!
