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Sometimes the "quiet" places have some of the most fascinating history...because it's not as evident, or is more "secretive". The history (and sometimes legend) of local prominent politicians, businessmen, leaders, or those 'behind the scenes' can be especially interesting. Sometimes it's not as easily cataloged in terms of "historical events" as it is in terms of cultural impact.
The largest Native American settlement in North America was Cohokiia (present day East St. Louise, Ill). This was the crossroads of the continent and the central trading post where all Native American met to exchange goods. ie. copper from the UP of Michigan for turquoise from the Southwest.
I am not dismissing the history of the Native America in the Southwest, but only stating the fact that in this category, there is history throughout the country. Being there where more Native Americans east of the Mississippi, then it is only logical that there is more richer of a history with them in the eastern states.
Note: Look into the French and Indian War and you will see ground work of how this country came to be. Without it, the American Revolution would have never happened when it did and this country would not look like it does.............to give you an idea what I mean, I would be typing this response in French right now from the nation of Quebec (New France) .
It's bizarre to me that no one knows anything about Cohokia, which for hundreds of years was one of the world's great cities, larger than renowned places like London in the 1200s. The city was the center of a vast Mississippi River civilization that reached from Wisconsin down to the Delta and areas east & west. So...East St Louis, of all places, has one of the most fascinating histories in the country for me.
Go to the History Forum, and see all the topics like "Which was better, music in 2000 or 2005?" and you will understand that history is anything that the countergirl at Burger King is interested in but can't remember.
"Orlando’s history dates back to 1838 and the height of the Seminole Wars. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin south of the present day Orlando City limits to protect settlers from attacks by Indians.
By 1840, a small community had grown up around the Fort. It was known as Jernigan, named after the Jernigan family, who had established the first permanent settlement in the area. Jernigan had a post office, established May 30th, 1850.
Six years later with the settlement expanding northward, the community officially changed its name to Orlando. In 1857, the U.S. Post Office adopted the name change. The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with 85 inhabitants, 22 of whom were qualified voters."
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
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Cities on major rivers / other bodies of water tend to have more interesting histories because in the mid 19th century that was how people traveled. Louisville has never been a major city but many famous people have lived here and done things here because of the accessibility per rail / highway. They also got many early technologies that les accessible places didn't
Lewis and Clark created Louisville and set off westward from here.
Edison, Audubon, the Dupont family all lived here. Olmstead designed a huge park system that still exists. The deadliest anti Catholic riot in American history occurred here. So did the first library in the USA opened specifically for African Americans. The first modern sewage / indoor running water system was opened here. And like the rest of Kentucky Louisville had it's share of ego driven violent in the form of duels and murders, the best known of which involved a prominent Civil War commandeered murdered during a fight over a woman at the famous Galt House motel
We all know Philadelphia, Boston, New York and DC are rich in history but which cities have little or no INTERESTING history. I know every place has history but some cities have a more interesting history than others. I would say Phoenix, Arizona (my hometown) is pretty boring and most of the buildings are relatively new.
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