In Search Of History

DIXIE - The illustration is typical for its day: a primitive rendition of the rolling landscape just south of Dixie during the second half of the 19th century, presumably after the end of the Civil War in 1865.

The scene shows an estate with wheat fields, fruit trees, vegetable plots, fences, young trees, horse drawn wagons, a large barn and a proud farm house with a steam train and cattle on the hills in the background.

Underneath the detailed undated drawing, it reads "Farm Residence Of Honorable J.M. Cornwell, Walla Walla County, Washington Territory."

Fast forward to 2011.

Some aspects of...