Did you know that Greene County in Indiana has
one of the longest land-crossing railroad trestles in the Midwest? Indiana’s first railroad, built in
Shelbyville, was only a mile long, but in 1847, completion of a major steam
road from Madison to Indianapolis made the state’s capital a center of
transportation. Unlike canals, railroads
could be built just about anywhere.
Southern Indiana’s quickly growing network of rail lines was able to
haul tons of goods at low cost, and enabled settlers to travel great distances
in a single day. This book takes the
reader on a journey through the towns and cities that shape Indiana’s railroad
lore. Through more than 200 vintage
photographs, author David E. Longest documents locomotives, rail equipment, the
moving of stock, depots, rail stations, and freight houses, and finishes with a
tour of the rail museums and excursions that still allow tourists to “ride the
rails.”
Author Bio: David E. Longest is a retired public school
teacher and long-time railroad enthusiast. A member of the Monon Railroad
Historical-Technical Society and the Floyd County Historical Society, he writes
for The Hoosier Line and lives in New Albany.
Be aware that the accuracy of some of Arcadia’s home-spun histories is sometimes questionable. Hence, your NYCSHS directors would be interested in reviews by knowledgeable members.
Published by Arcadia Publishing, this softcover retails for $22, with NYCSHS members paying only $17.60. Shipping is extra and Ohio residents must add 8% Ohio sales tax.
