Freedom, Land and Community

New Publication!

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Freedom, Land, and Community: A History of McLean County Illinois, 1730‐1900 tells the story of the diverse peoples and events of this county. Using sources contemporary with the events described, it relates the struggle to shape the land, build community, and secure freedom as these communities knew and defined it. Native peoples, women and men, African Americans, Irish and German immigrants all sought and contested for their freedom. People whose voices have not been heard in previous works about Central Illinois are included here.

Greg Koos served and led the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, Illinois from 1977 to 2016. His work there was recognized with numerous state and national awards. His historical research has been published in the United States and Ireland. Koos lives with his wife, Carol, in his hometown of Bloomington, Illinois.