Alton, Illinois, is a historic river town with a fascinating history. It was the home of multiple Native American tribes and later served as a busy river port. It played an important role in the Civil "War and became a major industrial town. The end of the 20tb century marked great changes as Alton lost much of its industrial base and population, although it-was rejuvenated by new industry and commerce. Michael Barr Mossman, a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, grew up in Alton. The main sources for this book are Robert K. Craul (longtime photographer for the Alton Telegraph) and the Hayner Public Library District. Comparing our present to our past is how we understand out history.

Arcadia's Past & Present series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side by side with contemporary photographs.