(Estherville)--Award-winning Iowa historian and University of Northern Iowa assistant professor Kevin Mason, author of the new book “Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa,” will be at the Estherville Public Library this Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 PM. Drawing from his new book, Mason says he will uncover how the state’s prairies and wetlands evolved into the farms, towns, and highways we know today.

The event is being hosted by the Estherville Public Library and the Emmet County Historical Society & Museum. Mason says the book was inspired by his walk across Iowa in 2021.

He says several chapters of his book focus directly on the history of Estherville and the surrounding area.

Mason provides more details about his presentation on Thursday evening.

Copies of Mason’s book will be available for sale. Mason is also the founder of a website on Iowa history: notesoniowa.com.