Grit

Stephen Ambrose’s “Nothing Like It in the World” is a tribute to the extraordinary grit, determination, and vision of the men who built the transcontinental railroad—a monumental project that connected the United States from coast to coast. Completed in 1869, the railroad transformed the nation, reducing the arduous journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific from a multiple month journey to just seven days. The construction of this engineering marvel required incredible perseverance at all levels, from visionary leaders to the thousands of laborers who toiled tirelessly against daunting odds.

 The story begins 2 decades before the Civil War with an ambitious vision: find the right route and to unite the country by rail. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln recognized the railroad’s potential to bring unity, foster commerce, and unlock the vast resources of the West. The project embodied the hope of a better future, promising economic growth and national integration. The work was daunting—laying nearly 1,800 miles of track across some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world. It required technical expertise and a collective determination to overcome incredible natural and logistical challenges.

 The workforce included a diverse array of men, each bringing their own unique strengths to the task. Chinese immigrants formed the backbone of the Central Pacific’s workforce, displaying remarkable endurance and skill. Despite facing harsh conditions, discrimination, and life-threatening tasks, such as blasting through the Sierra Nevada mountains, they worked with unwavering discipline. Their efforts were matched by Irish immigrants and Civil War veterans on the Union Pacific side, who laid tracks through the Great Plains, enduring scorching summers, freezing winters, and the constant threat of attacks. Brigham Young of the Mormon Church, enabled Mormon men to grade and build the rail in Utah during a harsh drought and time when work was hard to find.  

 The sheer physical demands of the project cannot be overstated. Laborers worked from sunrise to sunset, laying heavy steel rails, hammering spikes, and moving tons of earth to create stable track beds. They endured extreme weather, dangerous wildlife, and grueling labor. Yet their determination never faltered. Engineers and surveyors, often on the front lines of exploration, mapped routes through rugged mountains and desolate plains, applying innovative solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.

 Leadership played a crucial role in channeling this collective determination. Figures like Theodore Judah, who envisioned the railroad and lobbied tirelessly for its funding, and Grenville Dodge, the Union Pacific’s chief engineer, exemplified strategic foresight and resilience. These leaders inspired their teams, often making difficult decisions and finding creative ways to keep the project moving forward despite financial and logistical obstacles.

 The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah, symbolized the triumph of human will and ingenuity. The golden spike driven into the final tie was not just a ceremonial act—it was a testament to the determination of thousands of workers who had overcome unimaginable hardships to achieve something extraordinary. The railroad united the country physically and symbolically, enabling commerce to flourish and revolutionizing human travel. What had once been a perilous, months-long journey became a week-long passage, opening the West to settlement and trade while fostering a sense of national identity.

 Stephen Ambrose’s narrative captures the indomitable spirit of the men who made this achievement possible. The transcontinental railroad stands as a reminder of what can be accomplished through grit, determination, and a shared commitment to a greater goal. It is not merely a story of tracks laid across the continent—it is a testament to human ambition and the transformative power of unity.

Short on time? Ambrose’s epilogue is a must read for any man curious about how to think about the corruption that took place to deliver this project. While he does not cast judgement on the unethical and corrupt manner in which the finances were handled, he does lay out what happened. The epilogue is a must read for those short on time.