Hayner Library, one of Alton’s foremost treasures, acquired a book last month that I couldn’t wait to check out. Written by Gregg Andrews, “Shantyboats and Roustabouts: The River Poor of St. Louis ...
(THE CONVERSATION) During the American Civil War, huge metal monsters roamed the Mississippi River. Called ironclads, these boats were about 50 yards long, carried 75 tons of armor on their hulls and ...