Nothing Like It In The World

Looking for a good read on how the North American continent was finally conquered than look no further than Nothing Like It In The World by Stephen Ambrose. In a fight between the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroads, which was started by the United States government, who could finish the Transcontinental Railroad.

Ambrose focused on the how the railroad was built. There has been a lot of focus on the management and the financing of the railroad. Doing what he does best Ambrose brings the people that actually did the work to life and makes you realize the huge project that it really was. Whether you are sleeping on the ground with the surveyors or in the work camp I am certain that you will learn a little about the settling of the North American continent.

Who knew that the majority of the work was done by Chinese and Irish immigrants. There was also the contingent of defeated Confederate soldiers. They faced horrible working conditions and brutal environments that if they survived were greeted by unimaginable food and rations. There is no surprise that the different groups were virtually at war with each other.

Ambrose does a great job of showing how the Federal government deployed troops to fight off “hostile” Indians that learned what the true meaning of the iron road would entail. The management and funding of the two corporations are examined and it all culminates with the driving of the golden spike on May 10, 1869.

This grand culmination also set a new record as it was orchestrated by publicity people that when the final spike was driven it was sent out via telegraph wire for the entire country to hear. This set records alone. Ambrose does a wonderful job of relating to his readers the importance.

If you have ever wondered how the West was finally conquered and the great railroad was actually built than I am certain that Nothing Like It In The World will be an eye opener or you.