The unique history of Effingham County is closely tied to the development of transportation through America's heartland.

Beginning with the old National Road, through the golden age of railroads, onward to today's interstate highway system, the county has developed alongside the nation's great transportation innovations. Given the county's location between Chicago to the north, St. Louis to the west, and Indianapolis to the east, it is easy to justify the "Heart of the USA" and "Crossroads of America" designations. Effingham County, however, is more than railroad yards and highway interchanges. This book shows the rich fabric of life woven throughout the history of the city of Effingham and smaller towns, including Teutopolis, Altamont, Beecher City, Dieterich, Watson, Mason, Edgewood, Montrose, and Shumway.