In June 1854 the Grand Excursion celebrated in festive style the completion of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad to the Mississippi River. Hundreds of dignitaries including newspaper editors and other journalists; politicians; academics, writers and artists; business and industry leaders; and railroad officials were among those who traveled by rail from Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois, then by steamboat to St. Paul in Minnesota Territory. The travelers were shown a region undergoing rapid settlement by Europeans—an area of great natural beauty offering many promises for additional development. One hundred and fifty years later, the thirteen essays in this volume examine the activities and environments of the 1854 Grand Excursion and place them in the context of an evolving regional identity for the Upper Mississippi River Valley based on the economy, culture, geography, and history of the area. In a series of “excursions,” the contributors explore the building of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad, eastern newspaper accounts of the 1854 excursion, steamboating, the area’s pictorial landscape, passenger trains along the scenic river, the genesis and features of river towns, the control of the river for navigation, the development of preserves, parks, and recreation areas, the lumber industry, and commercial fishing. The book concludes by examining the resurgence of river-oriented development, as river towns are once again embracing the Mississippi. Generously illustrated with maps, engravings, ephemera, and historic and present-day photographs, Grand Excursions on the Upper Mississippi River will be of interest to tourists and residents of the area, river aficionados, railroad and steamboat history buffs, as well as academics interested in the history, geography, and regional development of the area.

"In June 1854, to celebrate completion of the first railroad to reach the Mississippi River, the owners of the Chicago & Rock Island invited hundreds of shareholders, bondholders, notables, and fashionables to travel by rail to Rock Island, Illinois, and from there by steamboat to St. Anthony Falls in fledgling Minnesota ... Relying largely on the excursionists' own accounts of the roundtrip journey, Steven Keillor's portrait of a week in the lives of this microcosm of antebellum society captures the prevailing sectionalism, the railroad-driven economy, reform movements, the ongoing literary renaissance, westward expansion, the second-party system, the postmillennial optimism and pre-Darwinian religious fervor, the gradually changing notions of gender and class, and the romantic idealism of this period before realism." -- jacket.

In This Storied River, longtime journalist Dennis McCann takes us on an intimate tour of the Upper Mississippi—from Dubuque, Iowa, to the Minnesota headwaters, and dozens of places in between. Far more than a travel guide, This Storied River celebrates the Upper Mississippi’s colorful history and the unique role the river has played in shaping the Midwest.

Historical account of the original 1854 Grand Excursion on the Mississippi River from Rock Island, Illinois to St. Paul, Minnesota ; account of the 2004 reenactment of the event ; and a historical account of paddlewheeling steamboats on the Upper Mississippi.

Looking for the ultimate adventure along the Mighty Mississippi? Look no further! The third edition of this comprehensive travel guide (updated in 2024) will take you on a journey through the heart of America, showcasing the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty of this iconic waterway. From the bustling cities of the Twin Cities and St. Louis to the peaceful backwaters of the Driftless Area, you'll discover something new and exciting at every turn. Packed with insider tips and local insights, this guide is the perfect companion for your journey down the Mississippi. Explore the quiet spaces and bustling places along the Great River Road, from historic small towns to culturally rich big cities. Find out which hikes come with dramatic views of the Mississippi River and which day cruises offer the best chance to spot wildlife. Get recommendations about which museums are worth your time and where to find good local music. Discover which festivals offer quirky fun, and where to sample regional food specialties such as a juicy lucy, wild rice and walleye, and gooey butter cake. The book includes: · 18 regional tours from northern Minnesota to southern Illinois · Local and regional history · Parks and recreation areas to hike and camp at along the Mississippi River · Tips to save you time and money · How to get on the river (outfitters, cruises) · Where to eat and sleep at locally owned establishments So come along and explore the magic of the Mighty Mississippi! Author Dean Klinkenberg has been exploring the places along the Mississippi River and the Great River Road since 2007. He's found a wealth of underappreciated treasures awaiting visitors. Are you ready to explore one of the best American road trips? Buy Road Tripping Along the Great River Road and start your trip today.