From the whispering paths of Indigenous trade routes to the thunderous roar of jet engines overhead, the story of Illinois is etched into its roads, rails, and skies. This collection of articles traces the remarkable transformation of transportation across the Prairie State—each mode not merely a means of travel, but a reflection of the cultural, economic, and political forces that shaped the region.
We begin with the ancient Indian trails, carved by necessity and memory, long before maps or mile markers. These routes, often following natural contours and waterways, laid the foundation for the plank roads and stagecoach lines that followed—wooden arteries of commerce and connection in a rapidly expanding frontier.
As steam and steel took hold, railroads redefined the landscape, stitching together towns and industries with a precision that mirrored the ambitions of a growing nation. And with the advent of aviation, Illinois found itself not just connected, but airborne—its skies becoming the new frontier for innovation and mobility.
This series invites readers to walk, ride, and soar through time. It’s a tribute to the ingenuity of those who built, adapted, and dreamed of faster, farther, and freer movement. Whether you're a historian, a traveler, or simply someone who’s ever wondered why a road curves the way it does, there’s something here for you.
