This carefully researched and well-written book by an eminent railroad
historian describes the conception and building of the Western Pacific,
a railroad that was a Pacific extension for the Denver & Rio Grande.
Early surveys, complex financial arrangements, difficulties encountered
during construction, effects of the San Francisco earthquake and the
financial panic of 1907 are covered in detail. So are colorful events
and personalities such as Hindoo workers and tycoons Gould, Harriman
and Hill. The railroad endured two receiverships and eventually experienced
post-World War II prosperity. Western Pacific operated such well-remembered
passenger trains as the Feather River Express, Exposition Flyer, and
California Zephyr.
Coverage includes
the northern California extension, built to connect with Great Northern's
1931 entrance into the Golden State, as well as a summary of later
WP operation right up to the 1982 merger into Union Pacific and
subsequent developments.
232 pages,
over 200 black and white photos, 17 in color, 27 maps, index, hardcover.
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