Online Lecture: Transcontinental Railroad — Nothing Like It in the World

I am a retired railroad employee of 38 years having worked for one of the largest railroads in the US. I had previously read the book by Ambrose, "Nothing Like It in the World", and found the discussion interesting and provided additional imformation about the feat. The Historian was engaged and passionate about the topic and obviously well informed. What would have improved the presentation would be a review by a railroad engineer to correct some of the terminology used in describing some railroad related items. Probably for most listeners it may not make a significant difference, but being a retired engineer who spent a lifetime in the industry, we engineers tend to look at things more critically. Some may refer to that as "Anal-retentive", but I can't help myself! I do recommend the discussion to others wanting to know more about an event that changed the course of the nation that have had huge impact not only on the US but other Countries as well.

This program is worth your time. Well done, thorough, enjoyable. I will do this again.

Every American should truly listen to this lecture to understand what a turning point the Transcontinental RR was in our country's history and the price that was paid for us. Not just by our own citizens but by the thousands of foreigners who worked and died for us. Fascinating perspective!

You will learn so much about America's westward expansion that you didn't know - amazing!

Jim D'Alessandro tells history the way it should be told - as it happened. He brings the past back to life, gives you the feeling that you are there - right now - while sitting in front of your computer. He describes commerce as an integral part of our history, not as a side note to politics.

A well presented historical lecture, with much interesting detail and archival photographs.

What a lot of research went into this talk, delivered in a clear, organized way. The speaker was able to convey the incredible hardships, not only physical, but planning, financing, supplying of this monumental project. Could we pull off such a Herculean effort today to address our greatest challenges and change the country like the railroad project did?

If you are interested in railroads, this one that I just watched is a good history of the transcontinental railroad.

Very informative lecture on the TransContinental Railroad and its beginnings. Also a lot of history about San Francisco and its importance to the rail expansion.