European Capital, British Iron, and an American Dream: The Story of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad (Series on Ohio History and Culture)
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The Atlantic & Great Western Railroad was one of the earliest and largest east-west railroad projects in the United States. It was the dream of American builders William Reynolds of Pennsylvania and Marvin Kent of Ohio. By using the non-standard six-foot gauge, these men helped construct a trunk line connecting the Atlantic tidewater with the Mississippi River "without break of gauge."
Money for the construction came principally from European investors, like Don Jose de Salamanca of Spain, while Great Britain furnished the iron. A strong English support group included James McHenry, Sir Samuel Morton Peto, and the brilliant engineer, Thomas Kennard. This American-European enterprise represented an unique example of intercontinental cooperation in railroad history.
Reynolds was the first president of the Pennsylvania and New York divisions of the A&GW. This published history is the first published source on this important railroad.
With a memorable talent for detail and authority, Reynolds demonstrates how difficult it was to build a railroad against a backdrop of the Civil War. The lack of capital and resources, the scarcity of labor, the control of the oil market, and the endless struggle against hostile public opinion and fierce competitors like the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central posed challenges that were not easly overcome. Yet, as Reynolds states, "in the face of all these formidable obstacles, the enterprise was crowned with success."
About the Author
Peter K. Gifford graduated from Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, PA, in 1977 with a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science. He has spent the last 25 years at Allegheny College in Administrative Computing Services, currently Systems Manager. For the last 6 years he has taught in Creating Landscapes summer arts enrichment program.
Robert D. Ilsevich is a retired professor of American history, having taught at Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA, for thirty-four years. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University. His publications include several books and numerous articles and book reviews
European Capital, British Iron, and an American Dream: The Story of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad (Series on Ohio History and Culture),William Reynolds,Peter K. Gifford,Robert D. Ilisevich,University of Akron Press,1884836917,Atlantic and Great Western Rai,Atlantic and Great Western Railway Company,General,History,History - General History,History: World,Industries - Transportation,Railroads,Reference,Sources,United States,Reynolds, William
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