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High Road to Promontory: Building the Central Pacific (Now the Southern Pacific) Across the High Sierra

3/5 ( ratings)

The Pacific Railroad Survey, completed in 1855 after two years of grueling effort in western America's almost trackless mountains and plains, pointed to the fact that California was an isolated and defenseless land. In war, her forts might be demolished and her territory occupied before troops or munitions could be sent by way of Panama, the only possible route for moving large numbers of men and the hardware of war.

Most important, however, was the need for faster and more reliable communications between this isolated outpost and the settled and industrialized East. Despite many reports to the contrary, Californians thought that such a project was too formidable for anyone less than the federal government or a corporation with government financial backing.

This is the story of the conception and construction of the Central Pacific, the most difficult section by far of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. It is an epic tale, for the builders had no convenient pass such as the Rockies afforded the Union Pacific for its leg of the transcontinental line. Instead, they were confronted by the Sierra Nevada's seemingly impassible granite spires.

It is the story of a battle fought by a small group of men, called The Big Four', who earned victory by thorough planning, persistent effort, and willingness to carry on against desperate and largely unknown odds.

Language: English

Pages: 317

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: American West Publishing Co.

Release: May 06, 2022

ISBN: 1122161786

ISBN 13: 1122161786

High Road to Promontory: Building the Central Pacific (Now the Southern Pacific) Across the High Sierra

3/5 ( ratings)

The Pacific Railroad Survey, completed in 1855 after two years of grueling effort in western America's almost trackless mountains and plains, pointed to the fact that California was an isolated and defenseless land. In war, her forts might be demolished and her territory occupied before troops or munitions could be sent by way of Panama, the only possible route for moving large numbers of men and the hardware of war.

Most important, however, was the need for faster and more reliable communications between this isolated outpost and the settled and industrialized East. Despite many reports to the contrary, Californians thought that such a project was too formidable for anyone less than the federal government or a corporation with government financial backing.

This is the story of the conception and construction of the Central Pacific, the most difficult section by far of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. It is an epic tale, for the builders had no convenient pass such as the Rockies afforded the Union Pacific for its leg of the transcontinental line. Instead, they were confronted by the Sierra Nevada's seemingly impassible granite spires.

It is the story of a battle fought by a small group of men, called The Big Four', who earned victory by thorough planning, persistent effort, and willingness to carry on against desperate and largely unknown odds.

Language: English

Pages: 317

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: American West Publishing Co.

Release: May 06, 2022

ISBN: 1122161786

ISBN 13: 1122161786

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