Thomas the Tank Engine pulls into Greenfield Village at the end of the month. How have trains shaped America's history?

 

The great railroad revolution: the history of trains in America by Christian Wolmar

Railroads across North America: an illustrated history by Claude Wiatrowski

The robber barons: the great American capitalists, 1861- 1901 by Matthew Josephson

Need a fun and educational activity for the whole family? Visit Chi-Town in Commerce Township, home of the world's longest model train. The railroad museum is open every weekend now through March from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission charges are $5 for adults and kids ages 5-17. Kids under 5 years old are free! Want to learn more, check out this book:

The great railroad revolution: the history of trains in America by Christian Wolmar

Have you missed these recent additions to some of your favorite series?

One hundred and forty years ago an historic ceremony marked the beginning of a transportation revolution in the United States. During the Civil War, Congress had enacted legislation providing for the construction of a transcontinental line to be be built by two separate companies. In 1863 the Union Pacific Railroad began construction from Omaha, Nebraska, while the Central Pacific began at Sacramento, California.