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.
H. Roger Grant is Kathryn and Calhoun Lemon Professor of History at Clemson University. He is author of 25 books, including Visionary Railroader (IUP, 2008) and (with Don L. Hofsommer) Iowa's Railroads (IUP, 2009).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Prologue xi
1 Trains 1
2 Stations 95
3 Communities 165
4 Legacy 248
Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading 291
Index 297
What People are Saying About This
John White]]>
Is it necessary to comment on an established author such as Roger Grant. Heavens, he is a fine scholar and writes better than Hemingway!
John White
Is it necessary to comment on an established author such as Roger Grant. Heavens, he is a fine scholar and writes better than Hemingway!
From the Publisher
Bronze Medal, 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year2013 AAUP Public and Secondary School Library Selection, Outstanding ratingGold Medal, Automotive / Aviation / Railroad category, 2014 Independent Publisher Book Awards
John H. White Jr.]]>
Is it necessary to comment on an established author such as Roger Grant. Heavens, he is a fine scholar and writes better than Hemingway!
John H. White Jr.
Is it necessary to comment on an established author such as Roger Grant. Heavens, he is a fine scholar and writes better than Hemingway!