Connecting the Coasts: The Race to Build the Transcontinental Railroad

by Norma Lewis

Overview

Imagine sitting in a basket dangling thousands of feet above the ground drilling a hole into the side of mountain. Then you have to stuff that hole with dynamite and get out of the way before it explodes. This dangerous work was just part of the job for the men who built the Transcontinental Railroad. Lively language, historical photos and illustrations, and primary accounts help readers understand the dangers the workers faced every day while building the Transcontinental Railroad. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798875226366
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	05/31/2024
Series:	Adventures on the American Frontier
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

Norma Lewis is the author of six books and hundreds of articles, many on the topic of American history, including Alaska and her home state of Michigan. One of her favorite childhood memories is of riding a train from New York to Miami in the middle of winter. She still remembers the snowy slush when sheboarded and the summery breeze blowing in her hair when she arrived. It seemedmagical, and it sparked a lifelong passion for new places and new experiences.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Connecting America from Coast to Coast 4

Chapter 2 East from Sacramento: The Central Pacific 12

Chapter 3 West from Omaha: The Union Pacific 18

Chapter 4 The Ten-Mile Day 22

Chapter 5 Promontory Summit and the Golden Spike 24

Timeline 28

Glossary 30

Read More 31

Internet Sites 31

Critical Thinking Using the Common Core 32

Index 32

Interviews

Primary source material and engaging, narrative text makes readers feel as if they were there and part of the action; Strong curriculum tie-ins; Meets CCSS standards for grades 3-5; Consultants are experts on the topic and include professors, historians, and subject-specific authors; Fun Fact: Hastings' shortcut was actually 125 miles longer than the normal route; Fun Fact: More women survived from the Donner Party than men.