A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in the nation’s agricultural development. Stretching 2,170 miles, the trail connected Missouri to Oregon, serving as a lifeline for thousands of pioneers in the 19th century. Crossing the Heart of the Nation The eastern portion of the …
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near …
Henry A. Wallace: Innovator, Journalist, and Statesman
A Pioneer in Agriculture Henry A. Wallace is widely celebrated as the father of hybrid seed corn and the founder of the Pioneer Hybrid Seed Company. His groundbreaking work in developing hybrid corn transformed American agriculture, significantly increasing crop yields and shaping modern farming practices. Wallace’s contributions to agriculture were both scientific and entrepreneurial, establishing him as a pivotal figure …