Southern Pacific Railroad

by Brian Solomon

More than just a railroad, the Southern Pacific was an empire, anchored in San Francisco but stretching from Portland, Oregon, to several ports on the Gulf of Mexico. From austere western roots, the "Espee" grew into a far-flung railroad of some 17,000 route miles. In fact, for many years, it was the nations only true transcontinental railroad. This illustrated history tells the tale of SP's development from 1861 through its 1996 acquisition by Union Pacific. Through some 150 archival photographs, route maps, period ads, and timetables, readers are treated to the history of steam and diesel power, as well as freight and passenger operations. In addition to images of the Southern Pacific's flashy red and orange Daylight streamliners, the book features photography from the railroads fabled Coast Line, Shasta Route, Golden State Route, and the granddaddy of 'em all, the Overland Route.

Genres: Trains, Railways

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 1999

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise look at the history of the Southern Pacific. Well researched, with many photos, several in color. The SP was the railroad I grew up with here in Southern California. So much history passed by rail through my home town. I really enjoyed the chapter on steam engines. I didn't realize the SP built so many steam locomotives in their own shops! I thought the chapter on diesel locomotives could have used more photographs highlighting the different types of engines.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voyageur Press rarely disappoints but I was hoping for more coverage of the Sunset Route in the western deserts. There were virtually no pictures nor text of this section of the Espee.