This large collection of links to free books and articles is spread over 90 webpages, and covers the US Great Lakes States of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois & Indiana. We have thousands of free online books & articles on Internet Archive, HathiTrust, and other reputable sites, plus collections of free historic maps, documents and periodicals. Below are links to all pages.
– Page Directory –
The Century Past Home Page describes all our free online collections
See also: A Brief History of the Old Northwest, or the Great Lakes region
Biographies & Memoirs Internet Archives Books
Books and articles on the lives of famous Americans, political leaders, pioneers etc.
Cities & Places Internet Archive Books
Free online books and articles about towns, cities, counties, and regions. Websites with collections of city and county histories.
Culture in the Great Lakes States
Books and articles about literature, education, sports, theater, fine arts, crafts, journalism, recreation, and architecture.
Historic Documents of the Great Lakes States
Legislative acts, letters, official papers, treaties, and state constitutions. Collections of government documents, manuscripts, portraits, private papers, court records, etc.
Economy Free Online Books
Books and articles about business, economic conditions, work, workers’ organizations, railroads, roads, shipping, farming, manufacturing, banking, medicine, mining, logging, etc. Many books are at Internet Archive.
Government & Politics Internet Archive Books
Books and articles about territorial governments, state and local governments, political parties, state constitutions, statehood, and legislation.
History of the Great Lakes States
Books and articles meant as histories of a state or region. Works not classified in other categories.
Historic Journals, Vintage Periodicals at HathiTrust
History journals, popular magazines, and newspapers.
Historic Maps for the Great Lakes States
Maps from the 1600s through the early 1900s, and links to online historical map collections. Gazetteers, or geographical directories.
Military History Internet Archive Books
Books and articles about wars in the Great Lakes region and other U.S. wars. Conflict with Native Americans; military actions other than in wars. Works about forts and posts, military operations and military life. Includes books at Internet Archive and HathiTrust.
Native Americans in the Great Lakes States
Books and articles about American Indian history, tribes & culture.
Novels Set in the Great Lakes States
Novels, short stories and poetry set in the states or region or written by local authors.
Religion Books at the Internet Archive
Books and articles about denominations and churches, religious movements, missionaries. Includes many Internet Archive books.
Society and Social Issues Books at the Internet Archive
Books and articles about everyday life, women, crime, ethnic groups, slavery and anti-slavery, African American history, immigrants, utopian communities, and social issues.
Travel & Explorers in the Great Lakes States
Journeys and voyages by historical explorers and travelers. Modern travel guides.
Abraham Lincoln
Life of Abraham Lincoln. Biographies, novels; his written works and speeches.
Great Lakes Ships and Boats
Books and articles about shipping on the Great Lakes and rivers.
Great Lakes & Region’s Rivers
Great Lakes States Pioneer Guides at the Internet Archive
Hand-books and guides for prospective settlers, “Emigrants’ Guides”, and geographical descriptions.