RAILS ACROSS THE CONTINENT: The Story of the First Transcontinental Railroad

by Enid Johnson ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 5, 1965

The Story of the last half of the 19th Century in the with the story of railroads."" The Civil war intensified the need for coast to coast rail connections (both Lincoln and Davis urged speedy construction); the shaky economic underpinnings of the whole era switched back and forth through the net always honest hands of financiers; chinese cheap labor and Irish immigrants went West to lay roadbeds so California gold could come East faster; and a frontier started filling up with people. The author has touched on every important aspect of the first East/West railroad -- labor problems, engineering feats, political practicalities and rascalities. Her history clicks right along -- the use of anecdote and the discussion of the personalities affecting decisions keeps the whole complex story moving at a brisk clip.

Pub Date: April 5, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Messner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION