What's Coming Down the Line? The Railroad in the American Mind

Thursday, October 30th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

What's Coming Down the Line? The Railroad in the American Mind

Illinois is the nation’s railroad crossroads. This not only shaped the state’s economy and communities but created an industry with a cultural allure.

The speeding locomotive was a real-life representation of progress, and people gathered trackside to marvel at the big city opulence represented by an Illinois-built Pullman car.

Railroads not only accelerated Illinois’ economic development and population growth, but also became icons that influenced American culture.

The national land-based transportation network radically changed the economy, how people traveled, and how corporate structure evolved.

Rail workers were seen as heroic as they faced an extremely dangerous occupation.

The railroad became a cultural symbol, reflected in advertising, cinema, and children’s toys. Join Mike Matejka for this intimate look into this industry.

You may also like the following events from Allerton Public Library:

• This month, 29th September, 02:00 pm, Jamie Poorman: The Wild Ponies of Chincoteague Island in Monticello
• Next month, 2nd October, 02:00 pm, Shopping the Shelves in Monticello
• Next month, 6th October, 05:30 pm, Author Talk: Lisa Jones Baker, Let's Write a Book! in Monticello