There was once a time when the idea of a transcontinental railroad was considered foolish—a waste of time and resources. After all, what use was a railroad through the desolate regions of western America? However, as the United States began to expand and more and more settlers made their way west by horseback or covered wagon, the concept of a railroad spanning the country made more and more sense. Finally, in the midst of an epic civil war, President Abraham Lincoln signed the law that called for the building of a transcontinental railroad. There were many obstacles for the railroad builders to overcome. Harsh weather, mountains, hostile attacks, and even a lack of manpower were just some of the problems that had to be overcome. However, eventually the railroad builders triumphed, and finally train whistles could be heard echoing over the once quiet landscape of the western United States.

A collection of photographs taken of abandoned railroad lines, built since 1869, landforms and ruins created by the railroads including cuts, grades, collapsed tunnels and derelict trestles.

A spiritual journey across the railways and backroads of the American West.

Empire’s Tracks boldly reframes the history of the transcontinental railroad from the perspectives of the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Pawnee Native American tribes, and the Chinese migrants who toiled on its path. In this meticulously researched book, Manu Karuka situates the railroad within the violent global histories of colonialism and capitalism. Through an examination of legislative, military, and business records, Karuka deftly explains the imperial foundations of U.S. political economy. Tracing the shared paths of Indigenous and Asian American histories, this multisited interdisciplinary study connects military occupation to exclusionary border policies, a linked chain spanning the heart of U.S. imperialism. This highly original and beautifully wrought book unveils how the transcontinental railroad laid the tracks of the U.S. Empire.

Pioneer railroad the story of the Chicago and North Western System.

The story of the men who build the transcontinental railroad in the 1860's.

As the U.S. descends into the Civil War, photographer Brenton Baldwin travels west with his sister Jordana, taking pictures of the developing lands and in search of their sister. Along for the trip is young Caitlan O'Connor, who has just arrived from Ireland. Will they make it to California to find their family despite the danger that looms ahead? And can early romance grow into love in the face of trials and tragedy?