Grade 8 Up. In the mid-19th century, when railroads were being constructed all over the United States, the idea of laying tracks across the continent seemed ludicrous. How would workers build a railroad bed through the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains? This book focuses on the men who made the idea work: Theodore Judah, who did the planning and surveying, and the four California businessmen who financed the project?Charlie Crocker, Mark Hopkins, Collis Huntington, and Leland Stanford. The objective and in-depth treatment of the financial challenges and difficulties met by the Big Four makes this title a fascinating inside story for readers who want more than just another rehash of building snow sheds over the tracks across the mountains, the hiring of Chinese manpower, and that final push to meet the Union Pacific Railroad in Utah. The clearly written and lively text is accompanied by black-and-white photographs of the personalities and places involved.?George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Gr. 6^-9. Laughlin offers a readable, behind-the-scenes look at the political maneuvers, backstabbings, and financial dealings that went into the building of the Central Pacific Railroad. With her YA audience in mind, she begins the story of the five men largely responsible for the railroad's inception with a glimpse of their teen years, and because she continues to focus on the people rather than the machinery, she keeps the history interesting. Dates and statistics are nicely interwoven within the context of the story; a handy time line is appended; and a selection of maps, historic photographs, and other memorabilia from the time period lend authenticity. Budding engineers, politicians, economists, and railroad or U.S. history buffs will find this a pleasant way to expand their knowledge. Bibliography and notes appended. Lauren Peterson
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