Top Railroad History and Development

The best History of Railroads includes 400+ Train Facts for Enthusiasts, Train: The Complete Visual History (DK Edition), Transcontinental Railroad: The Builders' Story and many others as mentioned below.

1

400+ Train Facts for Enthusiasts

  • 400+ incredible train facts for enthusiasts.
  • Explore legendary engineers and railroad feats.
  • Discover cutting-edge technology in locomotion.
  • Engaging layout to captivate readers' imagination.
  • 20 chapters covering diverse train topics.
  • Perfect gift for railway fans and history buffs.
  • Uncover fascinating trivia and anecdotes!
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.99
2

Train: The Complete Visual History (DK Edition)

  • Stunning photography of trains and railways.
  • Chronicles train evolution from steam to electric.
  • Explores iconic trains like Orient Express.
  • Highlights major railways and journeys worldwide.
  • Profiles pioneering figures in railway history.
  • Perfect for train enthusiasts and history lovers.
  • Celebrates the cultural impact of railways globally.
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  • Price Range: $21.73
3

Transcontinental Railroad: The Builders' Story

  • A gripping account of the transcontinental railroad's construction.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Stephen E. Ambrose.
  • Details the challenges faced by thousands of workers.
  • Highlights the fierce competition between two railroad companies.
  • Explores the impact on American history and unity.
  • Describes the incredible engineering feats of the era.
  • Celebrates both famous and ordinary heroes of the project.
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  • Price Range: $19.65
4

Last Train to Paradise: The Railroad Saga

  • Incredible true story of Key West Railroad.
  • Henry Flagler's ambitious vision and engineering triumph.
  • Crossed 153 miles of open ocean.
  • Once hailed as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.”
  • Destroyed by the 1935 storm of the century.
  • Explores human ingenuity versus nature's wrath.
  • Fast-paced tale of rise and dramatic fall.
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  • Price Range: $9.29
5

Nothing Like It: Transcontinental Railroad Builders

  • Captivating history of the transcontinental railroad.
  • Highlights the dedication of the builders.
  • Explores the challenges faced by workers.
  • Features insights from influential financiers and politicians.
  • Vivid storytelling by acclaimed author Stephen Ambrose.
  • Details the immigrant labor force's contributions.
  • Unprecedented engineering feat of 19th century America.
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  • Price Range: $12.29
6

Last Train to Paradise: Flagler's Railroad

  • Explores Flagler's monumental railroad engineering achievements.
  • Details the rise and fall of a legendary figure.
  • Highlights Florida's transformation into a luxury destination.
  • Reveals the impact of robber barons on society.
  • Captivating narrative by acclaimed author Les Standiford.
  • Uncovers the connection between wealth and ordinary citizens.
  • Engaging historical account of American innovation.
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  • Price Range: $14.14
7

Nothing Like World: Transcontinental 1863-1869 eBook

  • Chronicles the transcontinental railroad's construction.
  • Highlights the men behind this monumental project.
  • Explores the challenges faced by workers.
  • Details the political intrigue and funding battles.
  • Showcases diverse labor forces, including immigrants.
  • Presents a vivid narrative of engineering triumph.
  • Captivating storytelling by renowned author Stephen Ambrose.
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  • Price Range: $15.99
8

Railroaded: Transcontinentals Shaping Modern America

  • Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize recognition.
  • Explores the impact of transcontinental railroads.
  • Highlights economic panics and corporate failures.
  • Discusses political corruption and public dependence.
  • Reveals the transformation of the American landscape.
  • Challenges myths of the Gilded Age narrative.
  • Includes 8 pages of illustrative content.
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  • Price Range: $2.93
9

Last Train Paradise: Spectacular Railroad eBook

  • True story of the Key West Railroad's ambition.
  • Built by visionary Henry Flagler in the early 1900s.
  • Crossed 153 miles of open ocean, a feat unmatched.
  • Celebrated as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.”
  • Destruction caused by the 1935 storm of the century.
  • Explores human ingenuity against nature's overwhelming power.
  • A gripping narrative of triumph and tragedy.
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  • Price Range: $6.99
10

BNSF Trainspotting Notebook (122 Pages)

  • Compact 6" x 9" size for easy carrying.
  • 122 pages for detailed train spotting records.
  • Glossy cover with stunning full-color photos.
  • Space for date, location, and train number.
  • Additional notes section for extra observations.
  • Perfect for train enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Ideal companion for train spotting adventures.
  • Price Range: $6.39
11

Railroad History: 100 Maps Collection

  • First international history of railroads in maps.
  • Features stunningly reproduced maps from the British Library.
  • Chronologically arranged maps highlight historical developments.
  • Includes maps from six continents and various uses.
  • Accompanying texts explain political and urban histories.
  • Final chapter explores railroad maps in culture.
  • Offers new insights for history and map enthusiasts.
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  • Price Range: $32.21
12

North American Railroads: A Historical Guide

  • Comprehensive overview of North American railroads.
  • Features over 170 railroad systems across three countries.
  • Includes detailed maps and historical context.
  • Information on mergers and predecessor lines included.
  • Ideal for history and train enthusiasts alike.
  • Richly illustrated for an engaging reading experience.
  • Perfect reference for railroads in North America.
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  • Price Range: $18.03
13

Iron Empires: Railroads and Modern America

  • Epic tale of America's railroad titans.
  • Examines the clash for industry supremacy.
  • Reveals the impact on modern America.
  • Highlights iconic figures of the Gilded Age.
  • Explores competition’s economic consequences and transformations.
  • Details stock market frenzies and labor strikes.
  • Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Hiltzik.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.42
14

USA and Canada Rail Travel Guide (Bradt Travel)

  • Comprehensive guide to USA and Canadian rail travel.
  • Over 500 destinations including major landmarks.
  • 25 long-distance train journeys in the USA.
  • 12 scenic routes through Canada featured.
  • Accommodation options from budget to luxury included.
  • Maps and route plans for easy navigation.
  • Expert insights from a seasoned rail traveler.
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  • Price Range: $23.16
15

The Great Railroad Revolution: America's History

  • Explores America's railroad revolution from the 1830s.
  • Highlights the impact on national connectivity and economy.
  • Details the vast expansion of railroad networks.
  • Examines the role of visionaries in railroad development.
  • Discusses decline due to automobiles and airplanes.
  • Calls for reclaiming America's rail heritage.
  • Written by renowned railroad expert Christian Wolmar.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.29
16

Train Book: Definitive Visual History (eBook)

  • Stunning photography celebrating train history.
  • Covers steam, diesel, and electric locomotives.
  • Highlights iconic trains like Orient Express.
  • Explores global railway development and innovations.
  • Features key figures in railway engineering.
  • International perspective on trains through time.
  • A must-have for train enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
17

North American Steam Locomotive Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to steam locomotives in North America.
  • Includes detailed rosters and specifications.
  • Explains wheel arrangements and streamlining features.
  • Features captivating photos of historical locomotives.
  • Summarizes key facts and stories behind each locomotive.
  • Perfect for enthusiasts and historians alike.
  • Enhances understanding of steam engine technology.
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  • Price Range: $27.99
18

Union Pacific Big Boys Train Set [Model 123]

  • Comprehensive history of 4-8-8-4 steam locomotives.
  • Details on construction and development in the 1940s.
  • Covers operational history until retirement in the 1950s.
  • Insights on restoration of locomotive No. 4014.
  • Chronicles restoration journey from 2013 to 2019.
  • 224 pages packed with fascinating locomotive facts.
  • Ideal for steam locomotive enthusiasts and historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $38.71
19

How Railways Changed Global Travel (Paperback Edition)

  • Discover the history of railways from 1825.
  • Explore technological innovations in railway engineering.
  • Learn how railways fueled the Industrial Revolution.
  • Understand railways' roles in politics and warfare.
  • Experience breathtaking train journeys around the world.
  • Appreciate railways in culture, art, and literature.
  • Examine future advancements in rail travel technology.
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  • Price Range: $29.66
20

Amtrak: America's Railroad Survival Story

  • Explores 50 years of Amtrak's history.
  • Founded in 1971 to rescue essential freight railroads.
  • Government focused on aviation and highways post-WWII.
  • Addresses decline in rail passenger services quality.
  • Investigates Amtrak's flawed origins and leadership issues.
  • Includes interviews with former Amtrak presidents.
  • Analyzes current challenges and proposed solutions.
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  • Price Range: $3.99
21

Foundations of the Nineteenth Century, Vol. 1

  • Classic work on 19th-century foundations.
  • Translated by esteemed scholar John Lees.
  • Facsimile reprint of the 1911 edition.
  • Published by F. Bruckmann, A. G.
  • Introduction provided by Lord Redesdale.
  • Volume 1 of a comprehensive series.
  • Perfect for history and literature enthusiasts.
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  • Price Range: $30.99
22

Carving Southern Mountains of British Columbia

  • Uncover political intrigue in BC's transportation history.
  • Explore a century of dealmaking and misdeeds.
  • Engaging account of sternwheelers and rail builders.
  • Assess the legacies of key historical figures.
  • Examine critical routing errors by early engineers.
  • Discover hidden stories behind Western development.
  • Insightful narrative combining history and industry analysis.
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  • Price Range: $18.95
23

Railroaders Without Borders: History of Development

  • Comprehensive history of Railroad Development Corporation.
  • Explores railroads' revival across four continents.
  • Written by esteemed author H. Roger Grant.
  • Highlights social responsibility in railroad investments.
  • Documents successes and challenges faced by RDC.
  • Insights into local culture and community respect.
  • Perfect for railroad enthusiasts and industry professionals.
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  • Price Range: $43.17
24

The Great Railroad Revolution: America's Train History

  • Explores history of America's railroads and their impact.
  • Details the rise of the first American railroad.
  • Examines railroads' role in uniting the nation.
  • Highlights economic development fueled by train travel.
  • Discusses the transformation of American transportation landscape.
  • Reveals decline of railroads in mid-20th century.
  • Encourages celebrating America's rich rail heritage.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.80
25

Railroaded: Transcontinentals and Modern America

  • Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
  • Explores the rise of corporate behemoths.
  • Details economic panics sparked by railroads.
  • Examines political corruption and public dependence.
  • Reveals the impact on American landscapes.
  • Challenges myths of the Gilded Age.
  • Offers a darkly humorous historical perspective.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
26

Central Railroad of New Jersey Images

  • Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
  • Operated from 1869 to 1967
  • Main passenger terminal for NYC metropolitan area
  • Gateway for millions through Ellis Island
  • Showcases memorable images from private collection
  • Authored by railfan Anthony Puzzilla
  • Highlights famous named trains of American railroading
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.19
27

London Under History: Beneath the Streets

  • Explores London's hidden layers and secret histories.
  • Uncovers ancient sites beneath modern streets.
  • Engaging tales of creatures in the darkness.
  • Describes significant archaeological discoveries and myths.
  • Beautifully written, blending history with imagination.
  • Insightful look into London's underground infrastructure.
  • A captivating journey through time and place.
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  • Price Range: $7.99
28

The Life and Legacy of E. H. Harriman

  • In-depth biography of E. H. Harriman.
  • Explores Harriman's impact on the railroad industry.
  • Details his conflicts with prominent business figures.
  • Reveals myths and controversies surrounding Harriman.
  • Affordable paperback format for historical insights.
  • Published by UNC Press Enduring Editions.
  • Reasserts Harriman's legacy as a business titan.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $41.86
29

Burlington's Spectacular Steam Program [Model: Justin]

  • Explore the iconic Burlington steam program.
  • Over 260 steam trips in 1950s and 1960s.
  • More than 100,000 riders enjoyed unforgettable journeys.
  • Features nearly 100 stunning black-and-white photographs.
  • Essays and interviews by experts in railroad history.
  • Captures the power and pride of steam locomotives.
  • A must-have for railroad photography enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.61
30

Significant Images of Railroading by Scott Lothes

  • Features 93 stunning images of railroads.
  • Includes vibrant color and quadtone black-and-white.
  • Draws from over 200,000 archived photographs.
  • Highlights works of renowned photographers.
  • Cover showcases Abbey's 1950 Chicago Union Station photo.
  • Supported by notable preservation awards and funding.
  • Perfect for railroad photography enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.95