SPECIAL REPORT: RAILROADS AND SLAVERY
How were slaves used by antebellum southern railroads? This question has been almost completely ignored by U.S. historians. Now in a pathbreaking 26-page article, San Diego State University Professor Theodore Kornweibel documents the number and uses of slaves by railroads in the Old South, 1831-1865.
(Photo top left: A notice seeking slaves for track laying in 1856)
Read introduction by Editor Mark Reutter (PDF FILE)

DEFEATING DIVISION 699
Naive workers and gun-toting detectives converge during a 1916 railway strike in Washington, D.C., that involves two of the capital's most influential families. The owner of the Washington Post, Mother Jones, and even the Hope Diamond make appearances in this fascinating article by Paul E. McCray.
Read first two pages of article (PDF FILE)

OH, TO BE A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER
Another of our occasional series: Railroaders: Lives and Stories
Once it was every boy's ambition, but some boys grew up to be President instead. A delightful yarn by acclaimed historian John H. White, with rare 19th century prints and photos by Jim Shaughnessy and Parker Lamb. Plus "greasing the pig" and other nomenclature of the eagle-eye.
(Second photo: Harry Truman at the throttle;
third photo: Greasing the Pig painting by Glen Thomas.)

SANTA FE'S POSTER GENIUS
Discovering more about Louis Treviso, the lost artist behind the Santa Fe's warbonnet advertising campaigns, and identifying a one-of-a-kind Treviso painting of the California Limited. By Michael E. Zega.
Read first page of article (PDF File)

LOSS AT KINZUA
Dan Cupper relates the history of Kinzua Viaduct, destroyed by a tornado last July, and wonders if this 19th century engineering marvel can be restored. With a selection of historic photographs.
(Fourth photo: Engraving of original 1882 Kinzua Viaduct)

A PASSION FOR TRAINS
Part 2 concludes our in-depth profile and appraisal of David P. Morgan, the legendary editor of Trains Magazine. A superb piece of reporting about an important writer and journalist. By Thomas M. Jacklin.
A special Web feature: In a conversation with Tom Jacklin, J. Parker Lamb reflects on DPM's role in the development of ralroad photography.
(Bottom photo: DPM in 1975)

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Railroad History is issued by The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.
Published since 1921.