Nothing Like It in the World : The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-1869

English

ISBN: 0743203178

EAN: 9780743203173

Category: Technology & Engineering / Civil / Transport/Transportation / Railroads / History/Transportation / Railroads / General/

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: 11/03/2001

Synopsis: Nothing Like It in the Worldgives the account of an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. It is the story of the men who built the transcontinental railroad -- the investors who risked their businesses and money; the enlightened politicians who understood its importance; the engineers and surveyors who risked, and sometimes lost, their lives; and the Irish and Chinese immigrants, the defeated Confederate soldiers, and the other laborers who did the backbreaking and dangerous work on the tracks.The U.S. government pitted two companies -- the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroads -- against each other in a race for funding, encouraging speed over caution. Locomotives, rails, and spikes were shipped from the East through Panama or around South America to the West or lugged across the country to the Plains. In Ambroses hands, this enterprise, with its huge expenditure of brainpower, muscle, and sweat, comes vibrantly to life.

Excerpt: Unknown Property Excerpt

Nothing Like It in the World : The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863-1869

Illustrated: Yes

Format: Paperback

Height: 1.12 inches

Width: 6.13 inches

Length: 9.25 inches

Weight: 19.58 oz

Pages: 432