American History Tellers: Transcontinental Railroad | Work of Giants | Episode 1
Hosted by Lindsay Graham, American History Tellers delves deep into pivotal moments that shaped the United States. In this first episode of the four-part series on the Transcontinental Railroad, we explore the monumental efforts, challenges, and personalities that brought together the vast expanse of America from coast to coast.
1. Introduction
The episode opens in October 1860 amidst the rugged terrains of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. A storekeeper from Dutch Flat escorts the ambitious railroad engineer, Theodore Judah, up Donner Summit in a quest to find a viable route for the Transcontinental Railroad. This journey sets the stage for the decade-long endeavor that would transform the American landscape.
Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history."
2. The Genesis of American Railroading
Railroads began gaining traction in the United States in the early 19th century. The inaugural journey of the locomotive Tom Thumb in August 1830 marked the beginning of American railroading, igniting a fever that saw over 3,000 miles of track by 1840, predominantly along the Eastern seaboard.
3. Theodore Judah: The Visionary Engineer
Born in Connecticut in 1826, Theodore Judah exhibited a passion for engineering from a young age. By his late twenties, he was determined to realize the dream of a Transcontinental Railroad despite the immense challenges.
Lindsey Graham (00:00): "Judah was resourceful, hardworking and ambitious, and he could not wait to throw himself into a new challenge."
4. Political and Geographic Challenges
The mid-1850s presented significant obstacles:
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Slavery Debate: The nation was deeply divided over slavery, making it difficult to agree on a railroad route. Northern and Southern lawmakers had conflicting interests, impeding progress.
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Geographical Barriers: The Sierra Nevada Mountains, known for their steep slopes and harsh winters, posed a formidable natural barrier.
Transcript Excerpt (03:30):
"Senator Davis: The only practical route would be to follow the 32nd parallel from New Orleans to Los Angeles. That's the shortest path and the least expensive."
"You: I cannot support a route that cuts through the heart of the south, one that enriches slave owners like yourself."
5. Formation of the Central Pacific Railroad Company and the Big Four
In September 1859, the Pacific Railroad Convention in San Francisco saw delegates adopt Sacramento as the western terminus. Judah, now leading the Central Pacific Railroad, sought investors to fund the ambitious project. His relentless efforts led him to secure support from Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Charles Crocker, and Leland Stanford—collectively known as the Big Four.
Lindsey Graham (19:33): "But it was also armed with a comprehensive engineering plan and an existing corporation ready to start construction."
6. Construction Begins Amidst Internal Conflicts
Construction officially commenced on January 8, 1863, in Sacramento. However, internal tensions soon emerged:
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Conflict Over Route and Profits: Judah's meticulous plans clashed with the Big Four's profit-driven strategies. The hiring of Charles Crocker to manage construction without Judah's full consent signaled growing discord.
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Financial Strains: The high costs of materials and the Civil War's impact on resources made funding the railroad increasingly challenging.
Transcript Excerpt (32:18):
"Judah: I can't work like this anymore. The cheating, the power plays, constant second-guessing of every decision I make."
"Huntington: Buy us out or we'll buy you out."
7. Judah’s Relentless Pursuit and Untimely Demise
Despite securing initial funding and making significant progress, Judah faced insurmountable challenges:
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Manipulation by the Big Four: The Big Four altered Judah's survey to maximize government bonds, betraying their original agreement.
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Health and Tragedy: While attempting to raise funds to counteract the Big Four's maneuvers, Judah contracted yellow fever. Tragically, he passed away on October 26, 1863, never witnessing the completion of the railroad he so passionately championed.
Lindsey Graham (34:29): "The man who had done more for the railroad than anyone else would not live to see his dream become a reality."
8. Legacy and the Road Ahead
The episode concludes by highlighting Judah's indelible impact on the Transcontinental Railroad, setting the stage for the Big Four to continue the project amidst personal and political turmoil. The narrative teases the next episode, which will delve into President Abraham Lincoln's role, the Union Pacific's emergence, and the Central Pacific's reliance on Chinese immigrant labor.
Lindsey Graham (34:29): "This undertaking would pit Judah's vision and idealism against his partners' single-minded determination for profit."
Notable Quotes
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Judah's Determination:
"I swear to you, that's all it will take. Seven years and you'll be able to travel to New York City in only a week."
(Transcript Timestamp: 19:33) -
Conflict with the Big Four:
"I can't work like this anymore. The cheating, the power plays, constant second-guessing of every decision I make."
(Transcript Timestamp: 32:18) -
Judah’s Final Resolve:
"Okay, I'll find the money. You'll see. And to hell with Ollie."
(Transcript Timestamp: 32:18)
Conclusion
Episode one of "Work of Giants" vividly portrays the ambitious quest to build America's first Transcontinental Railroad. Theodore Judah's vision, the Big Four's entrepreneurship, and the nation's tumultuous political landscape intertwine to narrate a story of ambition, conflict, and perseverance. As the series progresses, listeners will uncover the intricate dynamics and monumental efforts that culminated in one of America's greatest engineering feats.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where President Abraham Lincoln finalizes the eastern terminus, a ruthless businessman takes control of the Union Pacific, and the Central Pacific enlists Chinese immigrant laborers to tackle the formidable Sierra Nevada mountains.
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