Writtenby a distinguished nativeof the area, this account traces Carbondale's history from its founding through 1905, the midpoint of the first decade of this century, when the city was well established and the outline of its present development as the cultural and commercial center for the region foreshadowed. The early years are especially interesting and important. Founded by Daniel Harmon Brush, the city played an important role in the Civil War as a division point for the Illinois Central Railroad. In the second part of the book Wright provides extensive biographies of early Carbondale families. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs, maps, and copies of historical documents.
