Railroads and the American People

In this social history of the impact of railroads on American life, H. Roger Grant concentrates on the railroad's "golden age," 1830-1930. To capture the essence of the nation's railroad experience, Grant explores four fundamental topics--trains and travel, train stations, railroads and community life, and the legacy of railroading in America--illustrating each topic with carefully chosen period illustrations. Grant recalls the lasting memories left by train travel, both of luxurious Pullman cars and the grit and grind of coal-powered locals. He discusses the important role railroads played for towns and cities across America, not only for the access they provided to distant places and distant markets but also for the depots that were a focus of community life. Finally, Grant reviews the lasting heritage of the railroads as it has been preserved in word, stone, paint, and memory. Railroads and the American People is a sparkling paean to American railroading by one of its finest historians.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 10/17/2012
ISBN: 9780253006332
Pages: 309
Weight: 2.10lbs
Size: 10.10h x 7.20w x 1.10d
Award: IndieFab awards - Bronze Medal Winner
Award: Independent Publisher Book Awards - Gold Medal Winner

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 08/06/2012
Library Journal 10/15/2012 pg. 84
Choice 03/01/2013