In 1869 the east and west coasts of the USA were at last linked by rail, launching what is now known as the "golden age of the railroad." Within twenty years several other major transcontinental routes had been opened, and the railroad companies who had invested millions of dollars need to attract both freight and passengers. To celebrate these pioneering routes, the railroad companies, enterprising publishers and even the United States Geological Service, produced a large quantity of colorful literature, including souvenir books, foldout postcards and illustrated maps. This exciting volume, packed with rare railroadiana and expertly-written text, brings those wonderful days back to life!