Railroad History on American Postage Stamps

by Anthony Bianculli

Covering a span of almost two centuries, Railroad History on American Postage Stamps tells the stories behind the many United States postage stamps that portray railroad history. Almost 200 stamps depicting railroading highlights including land grants, the completion of the transcontinental railroad, railroad heroes (from John Henry to Casey Jones), and equipment from famous locomotives to workaday freight cars are described in fascinating vignettes. In addition, a major chapter covers railroad issues, labor and the law. There is even a section identifying many famous individuals with surprising railroad associations including Irving Berlin, Nelly Bly, John Wayne, Samuel Clemens, Emily Dickinson, Will Rogers and Cary Grant. Extensively researched by the author over a period of more than two years, the book treats the reader to a treasure trove of little-known yet interesting facts that capture the reader’s attention from the first page to last. Includes an extensive bibliography and Scott Number index.

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004