1827 marked the completion of the USA's first railroad - and the beginning of the transport system that would transform life in this huge country. Spanning nearly two centuries, this book offers an exhilarating tour of the railways' inroads into the economy, society, and culture on America. With over 400 historic and modern photographs and period advertisements, this book takes readers back to the birth of the railroads, then travels through the 'Golden Age' from 1900 to 1950 and on to the railways of our day.Locomotives - from steam, diesel, electric - passenger travel, freight operations, infrastructure, stations, bridges, depots, roundhouses, railyards, signaling are all thoroughly examined and amply illustrated. Authors Kevin EuDaly and Mike Schaffer delve into the history, culture, technology of the railroads as they carried travelers, goods to market, connected business in war and peace, opened up this vast continent for the first time, and became the backbone of a flourishing economy.