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Lindsey's Page

Thank you for your help finding an answer to my query.  

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Thanks for sharing about your connection to France and Greece. 

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I hope you enjoy these stories. 

Email me if you wish more.

 Starting with railroads, I call your attention to the following stories.

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As mentioned the tracks passing through Elburn are very historic.

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After building tracks to the Mississippi River in the late 1850's in anticipation of a midwest route for the transcontinental railroad.  â€‹

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The railroad (Chicago and North Western) had to wait for the bridge to get built.

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However, the Chicago and Rock Island had built the first bridge over the Mississippi River. This is a most interesting story involving Abraham Lincoln and other history makers. 

Learn more.

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It wasn't until the start of the Civil War when the Southern States seceded, did the North States have the votes to determine the transcontinental route - Council Bluffs/Omaha to Sacramento.

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Thomas Durant, head of the Union Pacific, threw a big party in the middle of Nebraska to celebrate his company winning the contract.  Read about this most unusual party here.

 

 

From 1869 when the Central Pacific met the Union Pacific in Utah, these tracks from Chicago (through Elburn) were the most direct and fastest route between Chicago and the San Francisco/Bay area.

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One of the interesting stories is the reason the head of the Union Pacific was late to the event of the century. 

Learn more.

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How the Santa Fe Railroad

Bested the

Southern Pacific for California

 This was the classic David vs Goliath contest.The Santa Fe started in Topeka, KS as a small railroad that quickly embraced 'Manifest Destiny' 

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After beating the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad for

New Mexico, the Santa Fe set its sites on California and the Southern Pacific -(Goliath).

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Using an well thought out strategy, effective rumors, and providing superb service such as fast trains and excellent dining service, the Santa Fe prevailed, cracking the Southern Pacific's California monopoly.

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You will enjoy learning about the Fred Harvey, Ford, his son, and the famous Harvey Girls.

    Learn more.

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   Fun story:  Coyote Scotty - Cons the Santa Fe

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 I shared a little about the 'Gilded Age' 1860 to 1900.   

 

Between 1830 and 1930 which includes the Mark Twain's giving the 1860 to 1900 the term 'Gilded Age, most everything we have today came about during this time period.

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This article is about the first Gilded Age as well as the 2nd Gilded Age that started in the 1990's.   Learn more.

As this is my hobby, I am most happy to share more stories based on your interests.

 

I also can share a virtual or be the tour guide for you and family either virtually or on board on Metra between Elburn and/or Elmhurst or Chicago. 

 

Email me at GAstorybook@gmail.com

if interested.  

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