Michael Bartels and James Reisdorff
The advance of Union Pacific Railroad tracklayers across Nebraska was
part of America's great adventure of the 19th century. It marked the
beginning of the era of the iron horse in Nebraska-a time when the
whistle of an approaching train became synonymous with prosperity and
contact with the outside world. Historic Railroads of Nebraska takes a
photographic journey down the tracks of the five major railroads and
various short lines that helped Nebraska progress into a national center
of agriculture and business. The trip begins with the formative years
of Nebraska towns that were established along railroad lines in the 19th
century. It then travels through the 20th century and documents the
major changes and challenges that the railroad industry faced. Through
over 200 photographs, this book chronicles the era of streamlined
passenger trains, rustic steam locomotives, and a bustling Omaha Union
Station. The journey makes stops at railroad landmarks, significant
cities, the state's only railroad tunnel, and the legendary North Platte
Canteen.
