Unknown Americana

Andrew Carroll, historian and author of War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars, has turned out another gem. Here Is Where: Discovering America's Great Forgotten History is a beautiful endeavor. Carroll used nearly every mode of transportation, including kayak and helicopter, to visit unmarked historic sites throughout the United States, and then. In Arkansas, Carroll found his way to Mound City to see the place where the SS Sultana, blown apart by a boiler explosion, came to rest after more than 1,300 people died. Another destination was Rigby, Idaho, to visit the city where a fourteen-year-old boy came up with the idea that led to the invention of television. Carroll discusses this trek and the Here Is Where Project at 7 p.m. this evening at the Central Branch of the St. Louis Public Library (1301 Olive Street; 314-241-2288 or www.slpl.org). Admission is free, and books will be available for sale through Left Bank Books.
Wed., June 12, 2013