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Best books to learn The Transcontinental Railroad, in order

The line completed at Promontory Summit in May 1869 is the standard American story of engineering triumph, and it is a good story: two companies building toward each other across mountains and desert, twenty thousand workers, a golden spike. What that version omits is most of the interesting part.

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How should I approach learning the transcontinental railroad?
The line completed at Promontory Summit in May 1869 is the standard American story of engineering triumph, and it is a good story: two companies building toward each other across mountains and desert, twenty thousand workers, a golden spike. What that version omits is most of the interesting part.
What's a good book to start the transcontinental railroad with?
A strong starting point is The republic for which it stands by White, Richard. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.

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