Abraham Lincoln and the "Hellgate of the Mississippi"

Submitted by Lisa on April 14, 2009 - 3:13pm.

Start: May 6 2009 - 6:30pm

End: May 6 2009 - 7:30pm

The May 6 "Lincoln Lives @ Your Library" bicenntennial program will discuss Lincoln's role in defending the railroads after the crash of the steamboat Effie Afton. The steamboat crashed into the Rock Island railroad bridge on May 6, 1856, setting off what has been called one of Lincoln’s most important trials. “Hellgate of the Mississippi,” based on the book by Geneseo author Larry Riney, is 6:30 p.m. on May 6 in the library’s community room. Riney will discuss Lincoln’s role in the trial that took place in Chicago in 1857, and along with the courtroom drama.

The presention is free and open to the public. Riney is also willing to lead a tour of the crash site, and other related points of interest. Participants will meet at 3 p.m. at the library on May 6. To sign up, call the library at 732-7303.

Riney is an award-winning freelance writer living in Geneseo, Illinois. Hell Gate of the Mississippi launched his new company, Talesman Press(R). Copies will be available for purchase from Riney.