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RACE TO THE GOLDEN SPIKE by Paul I. Wellman

RACE TO THE GOLDEN SPIKE

By

Pub Date: Nov. 9th, 1961
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin -- North Star

Without delving into the intricate political and financial embroilment of the contest between the Union Pacific , chartered to build a railroad line west from Omaha to the California Novada line- and the Central Pacific which was to build cast to that point from Sacramento, Paul Wellman has recaptured the strength and tenacity of the workers, characteristic of the growth of America. That in the main the Union Pacific had Irish immigrant workers the Control Pacific Chinese coolies, provided part of the drama. He tells of the obstacles nature provided,- avalanche, torrid heat, granite buttresses, vast deserts, and always the Indian menace. The work went on at 24 hour stretches- and despite obstacles the goal was reached, the golden spike driven to commemorate it, May 10, 1869. It was a fantastic race and Wellman has used exciting- but not over-dramatized true episodes- to enliven the Lale. A sure favorite for the railroad-minded youngers.