''The Life of Major General Grenville M. Dodge''

  Historical Society to Present Life of Gen. Grenville Dodge
 
Local historian Dr. John Piano will present “The Life of Major General Grenville M. Dodge” at the LaSalle County Historical Society annual meeting Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Mendota Civic Center.
 
“Dodge, a major power in the country’s railroad industry in the mid-1800s, is relatively unknown as a LaSalle County personality,” according to society President David Reed.
 
“He lived in La Salle County for five years and married in Peru. He was a decorated and distinguished Civil War general, became chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad and surveyed more than 100,000 miles of railroad and built more rail mileage than any other American,” Reed added.

He was largely responsible for building the first transcontinental railroad for the Union Pacific.
Ultimately he served as president of seven railroads and nine railroad construction companies and became adviser to Presidents Lincoln, Grant, Johnson, Hayes, McKinley, Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.
 
“Dr. Piano has prepared a fascinating presentation filled with many historical connections to our area,” Reed added.
 
The Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble will play at 12:30 and dinner will be served at 1 p.m. in the Civic Center, 1901 Tom Merwin Dr. A short business meeting will follow the program during which the LCHS Officers and Board for 2013 will be elected. Cost for the buffet meal is $25 per person and reservations are required.
 
For Reservations call 815-667-4861 by November 11 or send your check to the LaSalle County Historical Museum, PO Box 278, Utica, Il 61373.