The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad's history is one of big booms and bigger busts. When it became the first railroad to reach and then cross the Mississippi River in 1856, it emerged as a leading American railroad company. But after aggressive expansion and a subsequent change in management, the company struggled and eventually declared bankruptcy in 1915. What followed was a cycle of resurrections and bankruptcies; a grueling, ten-year, ultimately unsuccessful battle to merge with the Union Pacific; and the Rock Island's final liquidation in 1981. But today, long after its glory days and eventual demise, the "Mighty Fine Road" has left behind a living legacy of major and feeder lines throughout the country. In his latest work, railroad historian H. Roger Grant offers an accessible, gorgeously illustrated, and comprehensive history of this iconic American railroad.

About the Author

H. Roger Grant is author of numerous books, including Visionary Railroader, John W. Barriger III, Railroaders without Borders, and Railroads and the American People. He is Kathryn and Calhoun Lemon Professor of History at Clemson University.

Reviews

Grant's presentation is complete and unbiased with no favoritism shown toward government, management, or labor - each party contributing to its legacy of being the largest Class I railroad to be liquidated in American railroad history.

* The Michigan Railfan *

H. Roger Grant's history of one of the nation's most significant Midwestern railroads is a mighty fine book.

-- David Pfeiffer * Railroad History *

This handsome, well-illustrated book merits the attention of any reader interested in the history of Iowa. And just as important, the book reminds us of the importance of railroads to the history and vitality of American society. All aboard!

-- Timothy Walch * IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253049889
Author H. Roger Grant
Format Hardback
Page Count 344
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 735g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 25mm