These photographs depict Makanda, Il and surrounding areas as they appeared during the turn of the 20th century.  The images were made from their original glass negatives, which are now a part of our permanent collection.  They are among the oldest-surviving negatives of Makanda and show the town when it served as a vital rail hub.  The railway that passed through made it possible for farmers to export their crops outside of the region, giving the town economic viability.  They mostly sent their produce to Chicago which was close enough for the food to arrive still fresh.  This system lasted until the invention of the refrigerated rail car, whose creation coincidentally occured in neighboring Cobden, Il.  Once that happened perishables could be sent across country with little to no risk of spoiling, thus reducing the need for hubs near major populations.

The photographs of Giant City were taken before it was made into a state park.  The land encompassing the park has always been revered as an area rich with beauty and splendor.  To this day people come from miles around to admire its unique geologic formations and lush wooded areas.  However, at the time these photographs were taken the area was also used for agriculture.  The flat lands below the steep rocky bluffs were cultivated by farmers to grow their crops and subsequently take them around the corner, to Makanda, Il to be shipped out.