Review by Choice Review
A vital component of the emerging railroad network in the American South during the mid-19th century was the state-owned North Carolina Railroad. This 223-mile carrier linked Goldsboro with Charlotte and provided both transstate service and connection with other railroads in Dixie. The railway was a public enterprise from 1849 to 1871, but then the state leased the property to private operators. Finally, in the 1890's, it became an integral part of the mighty Southern Railway system, today the Norfolk Southern. Trelease has produced a multifaceted and richly detailed account of the North Carolina Railroad. Not only does he discuss corporate matters, but he also portrays the human side of the carrier. His chapter, "Passenger Service," for example, is a marvelous study of what train travel was like for patrons of the North Carolina Railroad and most other southern pikes. Trelease's meticulously researched and beautifully written book is immense and impressive. This work is enhanced by splendid illustrations; it also contains an appendix. College, university and public libraries. -H. R. Grant, The University of Akron
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
