Raymond Bial

By ones, twos, and threes, in the years before the Civil War thousands of enslaved people slipped through the night on their way to freedom, riding the Underground Railroad. Hidden and hunted, the escape of southern slaves to the North remains a compelling event in American history. Within the pages of this book are documented, in prose and elegantly articulate photographs, examples of "stations" on the Railroad, along with images of the routes, lives,...

Learn about this city that many Mormons consider the birthplace of their religion.

North America was inhabited Native tribes some ten thousand years ago. As generations passed, the tribes formed individual communities, full of rich customs, beliefs, and ideals. Despite facing hardship in later centuries, the First People of North America continue to thrive in modern times. This book discusses the origin of the Tlingit, their rituals, beliefs, and culture, and their importance in society today.

The low-lying prairie on which Champaign came to be established was once described as "one vast pond where the mud turtle and water moccasin luxuriated, the mosquito wound his bugle, and the frogs gave a rival symphony." From humble origins as a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad called West Urbana, the cluster of buildings quickly became a bustling town of square storefronts, with horses and wagons hitched along wood-plank sidewalks. Gradually...

For thousands of years, Native Americans have called North America home. They built great cities, communities, and cultures in the continent's hills, valleys, deserts, and forests. However, for many, with the arrival of Europeans, traditional ways of life were challenged and sometimes eradicated entirely. As was the case with many Native tribes living on the West Coast, the Chumash were eventually influenced by the California missions and Catholic...

Describes the history, social structure, and customs of the People of the Longhouse.

Examines the origins, beliefs, language, and culture of the Sioux, also known as the Dakota Indians.

Discusses the history, culture, beliefs, changing ways, and notable people of the Navajo.

Describes how slaves were able to preserve some elements of their African heritage despite the often brutal treatment they experienced on Southern plantations.

Discusses the history, culture, social structure, beliefs, and notable people of the Cheyenne.