American Railroads

By John F. Stover

Book Overview

Few scenes capture the American experience so eloquently as that of a lonely train chugging across the vastness of the Great Plains, or snaking through tortuous high mountain passes. Although this vision was eclipsed for a time by the rise of air travel and trucking, railroads have enjoyed a rebirth in recent years as profitable freight carriers. A fascinating account of the rise, decline, and rebirth of railroads in the United States, John F. Stover's American Railroads traces their history from the first lines that helped eastern seaports capture western markets to today's newly revitalized industry. Stover describes the growth of the railroads' monopoly, with the consequent need for state and federal regulations; relates the vital part played by the railroads during the Civil War and the two World Wars; and charts the railroads' decline due to the advent of air travel and trucking during the 1950s. In two new chapters, Stover recounts the remarkable recovery of the railroads, along with other pivotal events of the industry's recent history. During the 1960s declining passenger traffic and excessive federal regulation led to the federally-financed creation of Amtrak to revive passenger service and Conrail to provide freight service on bankrupt northeastern railroads. The real savior for the railroads, though, proved to be the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, which brought prosperity to rail freight carriers by substantially deregulating the industry. By 1995, renewed railroad freight traffic had reached nearly twice its former peak in 1944. Bringing both a seasoned eye and new insights to bear on one of the most American of industries, Stover has produced the definitive history of railroads in the United States.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226776581
• ISBN13: 9780226776583
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

American Railroads by Stover

This book is perfect for American History buffs. It contains an exhaustive history of the evolution of railroading in the USA. Railroads thrived throughout the 1850s in response to the trans- Pacific trade in gold. In 1860, Chicago was served by 8 railroads. The Pacific Railway Bill of 1862 heralded the first Pacific line. A bill was signed on 7-1-1862. A picture of an 1870s railroad management gathering depicted the executives in 3-piece suits and beards. A sign posted land for $6 to $12. per acre in Illinois. The NY-New Haven and Hartford RR line started circa 1844. The book would be a perfect acquisition for the student in your house.

Excellent Rail History

Well written, concise and very informative. One of the best general railroad history books I have ever read. Mr. Stover covers the development of railroads in America from the beginning to present with an objective view.