The Old Iron Road: An Epic of Rails, Roads, and the Urge to Go West

In the summer of 2000, David Haward Bain and his family traveled west to explore America's past, retracing the routes of the first transcontinental railroad, Oregon, and California trails, and the Lincoln Highway. They discovered the spirit of adventure that connects our past to our present, encountering historic and contemporary characters and memories of their grandparents' journeys. Bain's writing is in the tradition of William Least Heat-Moon and Ian Frazier, and he conveys an engaging warmth and deep grasp of history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 470 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

In the summer of 2000, David Haward Bain and his family embarked on a remarkable journey westward, seeking to explore America's rich past. Their spiritual odyssey commenced on a Kansas trail, where Bain's grandmother was born in a covered wagon in 1889. Spanning from the Missouri River to the Golden Gate, they retraced the entire route of the first transcontinental railroad, as well as significant portions of the Oregon and California trails, and the iconic old Lincoln Highway.

Tracing the remnants of vanished iron rails and wagon wheel ruts, they ventured down backroads and bustling main streets, uncovering the profound, restless, and uniquely American spirit of adventure that binds our past to our present.

Bain, a talented writer and meticulous researcher, brings to life a captivating sense of temporal dislocation as he immerses himself in the ghost towns, battlegrounds, prairies, river ports, trainyards, museums, deserts, and diners that dot his westward cruise to California. Along the way, he encounters a diverse array of characters, both historical and contemporary, as well as cherished memories of his grandparents and the journeys that shaped his own heritage.

Drawing inspiration from the works of William Least Heat-Moon and Ian Frazier, Bain crafts a truly American odyssey that is characterized by an engaging warmth and a profound understanding of history. His writing seamlessly weaves together the past and present, creating a narrative that is both captivating and enlightening.

Through his meticulous research and evocative storytelling, Bain invites readers to embark on a journey that spans generations, exploring the rich tapestry of American history and culture. His book serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and exploration that defines our nation, reminding us of the connections that unite us across time and space.

Weight: 752g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496230485