Colonel Daniel H. Brush, Founder of Carbondale: In His Own Words

A Road Scholar Program by John B. Wallace Colonel Daniel Harmon Brush (1813-1890), Civil War commander and founder of Carbondale, settled in southern Illlinois as a penniless young man in 1829. Brush very quickly established himself as a successful entrepreneur and political player. Stern and uncompromising with family, friends, and adversaries alike, he won both the respect and scorn of his fellow southern Illinoisans. Brush was wounded several times as he fought with the 18th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, through intense battles at Shiloh and Fort Donelson. Enlisting as a private, he won eventual promotion to Colonel. In this first-person living history program, John Wallace portrays a man who paints a colorful picture of 19th Century life on the southern Illinois frontier.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact

< back to events calendar & search