"A well-conceived and well-argued book that is essential reading for those interested in the study of community building." —Journal of American History

"This study is important for both frontier and urban historians. It is well written, thoroughly documented, and illustrated in an informative manner. One may hope that future studies of other nineteenth century American towns will be completed with the competence and style of this excellent volume." —The Old Northwest

"For one who has lived in Jacksonville as I have, reading this book stirred fond memories and answered lingering questions about this town. . . . As a capsule study of an unusual Illinois community renowned for its past, Doyle's book makes for fascinating reading." —Civil War History

| Cover Title Copyright Contents List of Maps Preface Introduction: The Problem of Community The Infant Community Unpeaceable Kingdom The Booster Ethos Map of Illinois Railroads in 1857 Citizens and Strangers Map of Jacksonville in 1863 Illustrations A The Boundaries of Culture Map of Jacksonville in 1871 The Voluntary Community Moral Government Illustrations B Localism as Nationalism Appendix: Tables Bibliographical Essay Index Back Cover