Customer Reviews

Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis - A History of "The Dixie Line"

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I purchased this book on an impulse since there are so few books that cover the history of this railroad. I expected a typical railroad book full of interesting period pictures. I got that and far more. This is a complete and thorough corporate history. It details the problems of trying to build and run a railroad in eras that included war, depression and the robber barons from the north. Mr. Schult's writing style weaves this story within the context of the historical background of events outside the confines of the railroad. The heroes and villains that impacted the NC&St.L.'s success are well chronicalled and creates a story of struggle between trying to build a strong company versus reigning in competition. The government's feeble attempts at crafting a national transportation policy end with an excellent chapter on the failed effort at nationalizing the nation's railroads during WW I. I have always been interested in railroad history but I have never bought a book of this type where I can truly say that I had a hard time putting it down. A great read (plus great pictures).

In this book the history of the NC&St.L is told like no other railroad book I have read. It tells the complete story, including the historical background and events of building and maintaining the railroad; the back door way that the NC&StL lost it's identity and was merged with another railroad. I have always been interested in this railroad and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and the way Mr. Sehult presents the story.