A complete history of Amtrak operations in the heartland, this volume describes conditions that led to the passage of the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, the formation and implementation of Amtrak in 1970–71, and the major factors that have influenced Amtrak operations since its inception. More than 140 photographs and 3 maps bring to life the story as told by Sanders. This book will become indispensable to train enthusiasts through its examination...

America's greatest president, who rose to power in the country's greatest hour of need and whose vision saw the United States through the Civil WarAbraham Lincoln towers above the others who have held the office of president-the icon of greatness, the pillar of strength whose words bound up the nation's wounds. His presidency is the hinge on which American history pivots, the time when the young republic collapsed of its own contradictions and a new...

Frank Julian Sprague invented a system for distributing electricity to streetcars from overhead wires. Within a year, electric streetcars had begun to replace horsecars, sparking a revolution in urban transportation. Sprague (1857—1934) was an American naval officer turned inventor who worked briefly for Thomas Edison before striking out on his own. Sprague contributed to the development of the electric motor, electric railways, and electric elevators....

Arizona has an incredibly rich history, including wild days of the Old West. This book chronicles Arizona's past up to present day, with an interesting exploration of the state's geography, trade, and peoples.

Delaware may be almost last in size amongst the 50 American states, yet in many ways it is indeed the "First State," as its motto declares. Casting one of the decisive votes in favor of the Declaration of Independence, and the very first state to sign the Constitution, Delaware has long led the nation into the future, a role it continues to play. It has been at the forefront of many important developments in American society-desegregation, the growth...

This engaging book about the history, geography, government, industries, and people of Georgia will give students an excellent resource for writing reports. As they turn the pages, they will travel back to a time when the first colonists were building their homes and planting their farms. They'll see how this state has grown into one of the leading business and industrial centers in the nation. Readers will learn about notable Georgians, including...

The bucolic state of Iowa defines America's heartland. Once a state with a strong mining industry, Iowa is now a crucial agrarian state with a large manufacturing industry. Readers will learn about the growth of this key part of America's breadbasket, from prehistory to the current day. This engrossing book also has a detailed timeline, sidebars, fact sheets, and other features that make learning fun.

Take readers on a journey to the great state of Michigan. Students learn that it has 40 major rivers and more than 35,000 lakes and ponds. They also learn about the wild, cold land of the past and the climate of today. They'll take a look at Native Americans who lived on the land, the Europeans who explored and settled there, and Michigan's entry into the Union. Readers will examine the workings of the state's government and the changes in the economy...

From the Native American inhabitants that settled the land over 3,000 years ago to the present-day; the state of Missouri has had a long, exciting history. This book traces how Missouri's past connects to the present-day, examining the many changes the state has gone through over time. Readers will learn about the state's incredible musical history, see how the state's robust economy evolved, and will get drawn into Missouri's political history.

New York is a state rich in culture and industry. New York: Past and Present explores the broad topics of geography and history, but also touches on some finer details, such as influential New York natives, government, climate, and wildlife. With unique sidebars that touch on both the past and present!