On April 1, 1861, the people in the village known as "Illinoistown" went to the polls to choose a new name. On that day, with 183 votes for and 89 votes against, the map had a new place--a bustling town called East St. Louis. This wonderful collection of photographs and memorabilia (some published for the first time) shows the exciting history of this once-mighty industrial town, as well as the people who made it work and shaped its destiny.
On April 1, 1861, the people in the village known as "Illinoistown" went to the polls to choose a new name. On that day, with 183 votes for and 89 votes against, the map had a new place--a bustling town called East St. Louis. This wonderful collection of photographs and memorabilia (some published for the first time) shows the exciting history of this once-mighty industrial town, as well as the people who made it work and shaped its destiny.
