A Keelboat Journey During the Civil War: : Sallie Tower Durand Journal 1862

This book brings to light a nearly forgotten piece of American history that plays out on the broad canvas of the US Civil War. From May to early October 1862 Sallie Tower Durand documents the details of the move of twelve people spanning three generations. They travel from Beardstown, Illinois down the Illinois River, then turn up the Mississippi River to Petosi Landing, Wisconsin. What makes their journey unique is the method of travel - a keelboat. Other than the Lewis and Clark Journals, this book may be the most comprehensive account of keelboat travel in existence today. To top things off, this civilian family made the Upper Mississippi River journey when there were no locks and dams and only the most minimal changes to the original river structure.