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Informationen zum Autor Don L. Hofsommer, Professor of History at St. Cloud State University, is author of Katy Northwest (IUP, 1999). A native of Iowa, he now resides in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Klappentext "Steel Trails of Hawkeyeland offers a comprehensive examination of railroads in Iowa from the introduction of the iron horse to the present. It is more than a study of a single, albeit significant American state. Hofsommer superbly relates local events to the national picture. His is a 'one-of-a-kind' volume." -H. Roger Grant, author of Follow the Flag: A History of the Wabash Railroad Company In the time of jet airplanes and interstate highways, the Internet and e-commerce, it is difficult to comprehend and appreciate the impact that railroads had on Iowa's landscape-in terms not just of transportation service and economic development, but of political, social, and cultural linkage as well. Railroads helped to define the character of America, and that certainly was the case in Iowa. Pioneer lines penetrated the interior from established Mississippi River communities during the state's early railroad era, and later opened up huge tracts for agricultural opportunity as well as urban development. A wide-ranging survey of Iowa's railroad experience, Steel Trails of Hawkeyeland offers a snapshot of a fascinating and critically important element in the state's history, and emphasizes the tight symbiotic relationship between Iowa and its railways. Packed with more than 250 photographs, this is a thorough and engaging book. Zusammenfassung Railroads helped to define the character of America, and that certainly was the case in Iowa. Pioneer lines penetrated the interior from Mississippi River communities during the state's early railroad era, and later opened up huge tracts for agricultural opportunity, and urban development. This work gives a survey of Iowa's railroad experience. Inhaltsverzeichnis Contents Preface Acronyms and Shortened Names 1. Prelude 2. Beginnings 3. War 4. Recovery 5. Panic 6. Optimism 7. Ebb and Flow 8. Vibrant and Muscular 9. Belle Epoque of Steamcars 10. Ill Ease 11. Uncertain Prosperity 12. Hard Times 13. Their Finest Hour 14. Diesels and Streamliners 15. Smiles and Frowns 16. Winds of Change 17. Gathering Clouds 18. Nervousness 19. Darkest Midnight 20. Bittersweet 21. Evolution 22. Prologue Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index ...
