Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
All characters reduced
The Rock Island Line - cover

The Rock Island Line

Bill Marvel

Publisher: Indiana University Press

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

Explore the rich history of the legendary railroad that spanned the American Midwest in this beautifully illustrated volume. 
 
Beginning operations in the mid-nineteenth century, the Rock Island Line served farms and small-town America for more than 140 years. One of the earliest railroads to build westward from Chicago, it was the first to span the Mississippi, advancing the frontier, bringing settlers into the West, and hauling their crops to market. 
 
Rock Island’s celebrated Rocket passenger trains also set a standard for speed and service, with suburban runs as familiar to Windy City commuters as the Loop. For most of its existence, the Rock battled competitors much larger and richer than itself. When it finally succumbed, the result was one of the largest business bankruptcies ever. Today, as its engines and stock travel the busy main lines operated by other carriers, the Rock Island Line lives on in the hearts of those whom it employed and served.
Available since: 10/01/2013.
Print length: 245 pages.

Other books that might interest you

  • Travels into Bokhara - A Voyage up the Indus to Lahore and a Journey to Cabool Tartary & Persia - cover

    Travels into Bokhara - A Voyage...

    Alexander Burnes

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    At the age of only twenty six, Alexander Burnes proved himself to be one of the most effective intelligence agents of his time. Making two dangerous journeys beyond the frontiers of the Indian Empire, he reported back via the East India Company to Downing Street on the geography and politics of the kingdoms that lay to the northwest as far as fabled Bokhara. He travelled simply, disguised as a local, but with his rapier-like mind, an ear for languages and an infectious charm and curiosity, he had a formidable arsenal of talents at his command. In 1835, the publication of Burnes's Travels into Bokhara made him a celebrity in London, where he lectured to packed halls and was even given an audience by the King. This brand new edition brings the heady sense of excitement, risk and zeal bursting from the pages.
    Show book
  • Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster) - Life Lessons from Dave Barry - cover

    Live Right and Find Happiness...

    Dave Barry

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    An uproariously funny examination of what one generation can teach to another—or not—from the Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times–bestselling author of You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty and Insane City. During the course of living (mumble, mumble) years, Dave Barry has gained much wisdom* (*actual wisdom not guaranteed) and he is eager to pass it on—to the next generation, the generation after that, and to those idiots who make driving to the grocery store in Florida a death-defying experience. In brilliant, brand-new, never-before-published pieces, Dave passes on home truths to his new grandson and to his daughter, Sophie (who will be getting her learner’s permit in 2015, the thought of which scares Dave silly). He explores the hometown of his youth, when all the men went to the city in suits and hats but still seemed to be having un-Mad Men–like fun, and how they turned into the neurotic hover-parents of today. He dives into everything from Google Glass (bottom line: “You feel like an idiot”) to why men hate birthdays and anniversaries; from How to Speak Spanish to firsthand accounts of the soccer craziness of Brazil and the just-plain-crazy craziness of Putin’s Russia, and a lot more besides. By the end, if you do not feel wiser, richer in knowledge, and more attuned to the universe…it wouldn’t be surprising. But you’ll have had a lot to laugh about!
    Show book
  • The Web of Life - Weaving the Values That Sustain Us - cover

    The Web of Life - Weaving the...

    Richard Louv

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    This thoughtful collection of essays by the author of Last Child into the Woods explores the vital connections that sustain our lives. 
     
    It’s often the little things that remind us how connected we all are to one another. Through his insightful reflections, Louv reveals the many strands that make up the great web of life, from family and friendship to community and nature. Most importantly, his words remind us of how important it is to seek out these strands in our own lives. 
     
    With inspirational stories, discussion, and quotations, Louv weaves a tale of collective unity and shared memory that reminds us how important it is to care for each other and the world around us. As Louv shares, “In our society, it is easy to lose sight of the web. To mend our hoop, our protective gauze, we must envision the whole ecology and not only the parts.”
    Show book
  • All About the Burger - A History of America's Favorite Sandwich - cover

    All About the Burger - A History...

    Sef "Burger Beast" Gonzalez

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    A history of the burger, from conception to perfection. 
    A world history of burgers: Do you know what the first burger chain was? That Taco Bell was originally known as Bell Burger - and was founded in the same city as McDonald's? Have you heard of the 1980s burger wars? All About the Burger covers all of these topics and more! Discover the food history you've been missing in this entertaining audiobook. 
    The burger journey of a lifetime: All About the Burger will take you on an informational magic carpet ride. You'll learn about restaurants, cooking styles, and different eras that have made the burger the juggernaut that it is. From White Castle to Shake Shack, from simple sandwich to specialty burger, don't miss out on what is sure to be one of the most entertaining looks at history ever written. 
    All About the Burger is the definitive bible of burgers. After listening to this audiobook, you will learn the contributions burgers have made to food culture; the evolution of the burger from carnival treat to an American staple; where to go to find your next favorite burger; and much more!
    Show book
  • Simple Knits: Hats & Scarves - 14 Easy Fashionable Knits - cover

    Simple Knits: Hats & Scarves -...

    Claire Crompton

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Patterns to keep you warm all winter—and warm the hearts of everyone on your gift list.   This is an outstanding selection of knitting patterns from established designer and bestselling writer Claire Crompton, author of The Knitter’s Bible and Knitter’s Bible project books.   Featuring strong designs across a range of styles for those who are new to knitting, all the projects included are beginner, easy, or intermediate skill level. As well as patterns and project instructions, you will find an explanation of the abbreviations used, a knitting needle conversion chart, a skill level key, a standard yarn weight chart, knitting techniques, and making-up techniques.
    Show book
  • Design Happy - Colorful Homes for the Modern Family - cover

    Design Happy - Colorful Homes...

    Betsy Wentz

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Interior designer Betsy Wentz shares 13 fabulous family homes. The book is really a practical design guide for anyone who may not want—or simply cannot afford—to hire an interior designer. The story of each home includes color studies, design lessons, and pro tips, plus plenty of practical advice for anyone who might face similar challenges.
    Show book