The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo
Journey down one of the most important roadways in the annals of Illinois transportation history. Stretching from Chicago to Cairo, the Egyptian Trail was one of the earliest "improved" roadways in Illinois. Dating to 1915, it was the longest road in the state, running four hundred miles through 20 counties and over 60 towns. The project was the brainchild of two Mattoon men, Dr. Iverson Lumpkin and Ernest B. Tucker, who realized the southern reaches of the state should be linked with Chicago along the same path as the Illinois Central Railroad. Though long forgotten today, the trail also served as the basic template for the route of Interstate 57. Author James R. Wright takes a road trip through the fascinating heritage of the Egyptian Trail.

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The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo
Journey down one of the most important roadways in the annals of Illinois transportation history. Stretching from Chicago to Cairo, the Egyptian Trail was one of the earliest "improved" roadways in Illinois. Dating to 1915, it was the longest road in the state, running four hundred miles through 20 counties and over 60 towns. The project was the brainchild of two Mattoon men, Dr. Iverson Lumpkin and Ernest B. Tucker, who realized the southern reaches of the state should be linked with Chicago along the same path as the Illinois Central Railroad. Though long forgotten today, the trail also served as the basic template for the route of Interstate 57. Author James R. Wright takes a road trip through the fascinating heritage of the Egyptian Trail.

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The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo

The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo

by James R. Wright
The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo

The Egyptian Trail in Illinois: A History from Chicago to Cairo

by James R. Wright

Paperback

$23.99 
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Overview

Journey down one of the most important roadways in the annals of Illinois transportation history. Stretching from Chicago to Cairo, the Egyptian Trail was one of the earliest "improved" roadways in Illinois. Dating to 1915, it was the longest road in the state, running four hundred miles through 20 counties and over 60 towns. The project was the brainchild of two Mattoon men, Dr. Iverson Lumpkin and Ernest B. Tucker, who realized the southern reaches of the state should be linked with Chicago along the same path as the Illinois Central Railroad. Though long forgotten today, the trail also served as the basic template for the route of Interstate 57. Author James R. Wright takes a road trip through the fascinating heritage of the Egyptian Trail.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781467154802
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date: 08/07/2023
Series: Transportation
Pages: 144
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

James R. Wright was a local historian and author. He was a member of the Homewood Historical Society for forty years and a longtime scholar of the Prairie State's transportation heritage. His previous work includes The Dixie Highway in Illinois. Mr. Wright passed away in March 2023 before seeing the publication of The Egyptian Trail in Illinois.

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