Clark C. Spence

Clark C. Spence is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Illinois. He published thirteen books, mostly on Western history, over a career spanning six decades.

Known as the dean of mining historians, he was the first president of the Mining History Association and the eighth president of the Western History Association. In 2001 the Mining History Association established the Clark Spence Award, presented to books in mining history that best champion the research, interpretation, and writing skills practiced by Spence throughout his career.

Articles by this Author

Canines To Canaan, February/March 1981 | Vol. 32, No. 2

The Story of Some Forgotten Four-Footed Pioneers

Knights of the Fast Freight, August 1976 | Vol. 27, No. 5

For hoboes, the West was the land of milk and honey, of adventure, scenery, and easy living. A “land stowaway” hopped the first transcontinental train, and for six more decades they rode the rails

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