Tag Archives: Illinois State Museum

Ice harvesting

Before artificial refrigeration was invented, ice was cut from rivers, ponds, and lakes during the winter and sent to storehouses, businesses, and homes. Bigger customers included produce shippers, grocery stores, and breweries, which needed huge quantities of ice. Springfield’s old … Continue reading

Posted in Breweries, Business | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Kickapoo

When Europeans began moving into Central Illinois in the early 1800s, the Kickapoo were the dominant Native American tribe, holding sway from north of present-day Peoria to near St. Louis and east to west across Illinois. “I am a Kickapoo,” … Continue reading

Posted in Early residents, Native Americans, Prehistory | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Northern Cross Railroad

The Northern Cross Railroad, the first railroad in Illinois, briefly operated from Springfield to Meredosia, giving central Illinois long-coveted access to the Illinois River and then the Mississippi. The line was one of eight railroads called for in the state’s … Continue reading

Posted in Railroads, State government, Transportation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment