Synopsis
Discusses the 1860s construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, or Transcontinental Railroad, and the financial backers and workers involved in this project that reduced ...
Laura Hummel - Children's Literature
When the Central Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad were joined in 1869, Americans could travel by land across the entire country. The idea of a transcontinental route became feasible when Theodore H. Judah found a pass through the mountains east of Sacramento. After convincing wealthy merchants known as the Big Four to invest in the operation, he next convinced Congress to pass the Pacific Railway Act. The railroad company faced many problems: lack of workers, fierce storms, hostile Native Americans, mountains to tunnel, and bridges to build. Salvation was found in the hiring of thousands of Chinese emigrants who worked diligently and many of which were explosives experts. Fifteen tunnels were constructed through the Sierra Nevada range. From amazing vignettes to an exciting race to the finish, young readers are sure to be enthralled by this period of history. Excellent photographs and illustrations accompany the detailed source. An index, glossary, timeline, and additional sources are included in the text that is part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom, Second Series" books. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 8 to 12.
Editorials
Children's Literature
When the Central Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad were joined in 1869, Americans could travel by land across the entire country. The idea of a transcontinental route became feasible when Theodore H. Judah found a pass through the mountains east of Sacramento. After convincing wealthy merchants known as the Big Four to invest in the operation, he next convinced Congress to pass the Pacific Railway Act. The railroad company faced many problems: lack of workers, fierce storms, hostile Native Americans, mountains to tunnel, and bridges to build. Salvation was found in the hiring of thousands of Chinese emigrants who worked diligently and many of which were explosives experts. Fifteen tunnels were constructed through the Sierra Nevada range. From amazing vignettes to an exciting race to the finish, young readers are sure to be enthralled by this period of history. Excellent photographs and illustrations accompany the detailed source. An index, glossary, timeline, and additional sources are included in the text that is part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom, Second Series" books. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 8 to 12.—Laura Hummel