Ten Mile Day: Building the Transcontinental Railroad

Ten Mile Day chronicles the competition between the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad companies to lay the most track in a single day during the construction of America's first transcontinental railroad. The book focuses on April 28, 1869, when crews from the Union Pacific attempted to set a world record. The narrative follows the diverse workforce of Irish immigrants, Civil War veterans, and Mormon pioneers as they race against time to lay rails across the Utah desert. Through detailed illustrations and historical accounts, readers witness the physical demands and technical challenges faced by the railway workers. This nonfiction work illuminates a pivotal moment in American transportation history while exploring themes of ambition, collaboration, and human perseverance. The story demonstrates how competition and national pride drove workers to achieve what many considered impossible.

Readers find this children's non-fiction book accessible for grades 3-6, with clear explanations of the Transcontinental Railroad's construction and focus on the May 10, 1869 record-setting day when workers laid ten miles of track. Readers appreciate: - Detailed watercolor illustrations showing construction techniques - Inclusion of Chinese and Irish workers' contributions - Clear timeline and historical context - Straightforward explanation of complex engineering concepts Common criticisms: - Limited coverage of worker hardships and discrimination - Brief treatment of Native American displacement - Some readers wanted more technical details Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) Multiple teachers report successful use in elementary classrooms, particularly for units on westward expansion and industrialization. One librarian noted: "The paintings help students visualize the massive scale of this project."

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Iron Horses: America's Race to Bring the Railroad West by Walter R. Borneman This book documents the competition between the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad.

Nothing Like It In the World by Stephen E. Ambrose The narrative follows the workers, engineers, and financiers who built the transcontinental railroad from 1863 to 1869.

Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad by David Haward Bain The text presents the political, financial, and human stories behind the transcontinental railroad's construction through primary sources and historical records.

The Great Railroad Revolution by Christian Wolmar This history traces the development of American railroads from their inception through modern times with focus on construction methods and worker experiences.

🚂 On April 28, 1869, workers laid an astonishing 10 miles and 56 feet of railroad track in just one day, setting a world record that stood for decades. 🌟 The Central Pacific Railroad relied heavily on Chinese laborers, who made up about 90% of their workforce, yet were paid less than their white counterparts and had to supply their own food and tents. ⛰️ To create paths through the Sierra Nevada mountains, workers used dangerous nitroglycerin explosives and lowered themselves in baskets over cliff faces to plant charges. 🛤️ The joining of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, was marked by the driving of a golden spike, which was ceremonially tapped and then quickly replaced with an iron spike for security. 📚 Author Mary Ann Fraser spent three years researching this book, visiting historical sites and studying photographs, diaries, and newspaper accounts from the period to ensure accuracy in both text and illustrations.