Railroad

I have finished reading a most interesting book: Nothing Like It in the World by Stephen Ambrose. It's the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad, 1863-1869. I can't begin to describe the magnificent achievement this book narrates.

Thousands of men worked on this great project. Many thousand were Chinese. Many more were Irishmen. After the Civil War, many soldiers who were 'out of work' took up the task, some wearing their old gray uniform, others with blue uniforms--working side by side.

The incredible engineering feats involved in constructing the railroad is just that--unbelievable. No power tools! (No electricity.) Men with muscles and determination and indefatigable commitment worked for years in unforgivable conditions. Through blizzards and searing heat. Making tunnels through snow to get to the work site.

Hundreds of men were killed by accidents: explosions, avalanches, swinging hammers, trains gone wild, Indians. Small towns were set up along the way. Almost every day someone was shot by someone else because of gambling or drinking or anger.

The transcontinental railroad was a project as big and difficult as the Kennedy's goal to get men on the moon. A monumental achievement. The financing aspect of this gigantic undertaking is followed throughout the book. Daily anxiety over the need for more money. The government issued bonds. In the private sector men put their financial future on the line.

Abraham Lincoln played a major part in getting the project off the ground. It was actually during the Civil War that Lincoln pushed through legislation to initiate the construction. Lincoln had been a supporter of the idea in his early years as a politician.

The transcontinental railroad connected the Atlantic and the Pacific and literally brought the country together. It opened up commerce and development and national security.

The story of how bridges were built and tunnels put through mountains without our modern technology and equipment is astounding. Nothing shows the American spirit better than this majestic enterprise. I was inspired by the story. It made me believe in the power of the human spirit. I've never been much interested in railroads like some people are. But this book opened my eyes to the importance of this part of our history and our inventiveness.

Connections are so important.