Union Pacific II

Volume II, 1894-1969

2006
Author:

Maury Klein

The saga continues as the Union Pacific lays the groundwork for modern industry in America

The second volume in the history of the Union Pacific begins after the financial panic of 1893, which pushed the railroad into bankruptcy.

Maury Klein examines the challenges faced by the Union Pacific in the new century and how, under the innovative leadership of Edward H. Harriman, the Union Pacific again played the role of industrial pioneer.

A significant contribution to the story of both the Union Pacific Railroad and the American West.

San Francisco Chronicle

The second volume in the history of the Union Pacific begins after the financial panic of 1893, one of the worst depressions Americans had yet experienced, which pushed the railroad into bankruptcy.

Maury Klein examines the complex challenges faced by the Union Pacific in the new century—the expanding role of government and its restrictive regulations, the growth of labor unions, the devastating effects of two world wars, and the growing competition from new modes of transportation—and how, under the innovative and influential leadership of Edward H. Harriman, the Union Pacific again played the role of industrial pioneer.

Union Pacific has remained one of the strongest railroads in the country, surviving the eras of government regulation and the corporate mergers of the past twenty-five years. Insightful, definitive in scope, rich in colorful anecdotes and superb characterizations, Union Pacific is a fascinating saga not only of a particular railroad but also about how that industry transformed America.

Maury Klein is professor of history at the University of Rhode Island. He is the author of several books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Life and Legend of Jay Gould.

Maury Klein is professor of history at the University of Rhode Island. He is the author of several books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Life and Legend of Jay Gould.

A significant contribution to the story of both the Union Pacific Railroad and the American West.

San Francisco Chronicle

A ‘must’ for any serious transportation history holding and particularly for any collection solid in railroad history.

The Bookwatch

Klein has provided the best summary available of the way in which the road was built, financed, and frequently mismanaged.

Barrons

Maury Klein has done a splendid job of writing this thoroughly and compellingly detailed history.

Chicago Tribune

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Railroad Short Titles
Map

Prologue: The Funeral, 1916

Part One: The Transformation, 1893-1909

1. The Receivership
2. The Second Coming
3. The Reconstruction
4. The System
5. The Empire
6. The Community of Interest
7. The New Order
8. The Storms
9. The Reckoning

Part Two: The Great Adjustment, 1910-1939

10. The Stewardship
11. The Turning Point
12. The Takeover
13. The Fresh Start
14. The New Competition
15. The Counterattack
16. The Projects
17. The Trimmings
18. The Family
19. The Operation

Part Three: The New Railroad, 1940-1969

20. The Railroader
21. The Czar
22. The Misfits
23. The Blizzard
24. The Sleeping Giant
25. The Awakening
26. The Parts Changers
27. The Merger Misstep
28. The New Railroad

Epilogue: The Rebirth

Selective Bibliography
Source Notes

Index

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Railroad Reference Key
Map
Prologue: The Monument, 1965

Part One: The Challenge, 1862-1869

1. The Vision
2. The Promoters
3. The Company
4. The Surveys
5. The Organization
6. The Falling Out
7. The Standoff
8. The Payoff
9. The Showdown
10. The Race
11. The Golden Spike

Part Two: The Quest for Respectability, 1869-1884

12. The Mourning After
13. The Bridge
14. The Scandal
15. The Newcomer
16. The Resources
17. The Branches
18. The Ancient Feud
19. The Competition
20. The Consolidation
21. The Explosion
22. The Crisis

Part Three: The Road to Hell, 1884-1893

23. The Man on Horseback
24. The Massacre
25. The Service
26. The Assets
27. The Labyrinth
28. The Northwest Passage
29. The System
30. The Wars
31. The Leader
32. The Turnover
33. The Collapse

Source Reference Key
Notes
Selected Bibliography

Index