American Experience - Transcontinental Railroad (2003)

Go behind-the-scenes of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century: the building of a transcontinental railroad across the United States. Completed in only six years by unscrupulous entrepreneurs, brilliant engineers, and legions of dedicated workers, the Transcontinental Railroad left a horde of displaced, broken Native Americans in its wake. See how the railroad helped shape the politics and culture of mid-19th century America.

Building the Transcontinental Railroad

After having read Stephen Ambrose about the Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869, "Nothing Like It In the World" I became fascinated by the difficulties experienced in that construction, particularly those of the Central Pacific in building across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Because there was no one DVD that told the whole story, I bought three of them---the current one under review as well as two History Channel DVDs, "The Railroads That Tamed The West" and "Transcontinental Railroad". Together these three DVDs provide a comparatively good understanding of the hardships and difficulties encountered by those responsible and engaging in this monumental task of construction. Aside from all the hype about the "Robber Barons," these men really took momentous risks in engaging in this construction. And they did become wealthy as a result. But who among you would take the risks they undertook for any less? I give each of these DVDs four stars because each in its own way is good, but none tell the whole story. Read the Book, it's excellent. October 3, 2008

Transcontinental Railroad

We completely enjoyed the historical accuracy of the piece - it was both entertaining and educational - conveying the vision of some, the greed of others and the shear willpower to accomplish an almost unbelievable task of running rail across the vastness of continental US inspite of the dangers and obstacle associated with the work. June 24, 2008

A Great slice of American History

This DVD is amazing. From the visionaries and engineers, to the politicians and RR companies - mostly in it for the money, to the workers - ex-soldiers and Chinese, this DVD covers the building of the Transcontinental Railroad very thoroughly and doesn't sugar coat the greed and self-seeking of some. It includes the bittersweet dialogue via letters of one RR supervisor and his wife back in Ohio. I think it is ideal for high school and above. Maybe more info than middle schoolers want. I loved the maps that showed the RR as it was being built. It includes a Teacher's Guide in Adobe PDF format. February 22, 2008

As good as it gets on this subject

You will end up with full knowledge of the story of the Transcontinental Railroad after viewing this. It leaves nothing out...covers everything completely and fairly as far as I can tell. Chock full of primary source pictures and quotes, it's an interesting and educational production that may be the standard of comparison for future endeavors on this important achievement in American history. December 23, 2006

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