Always a Cowboy: Judge Wilson McCarthy and the Rescue of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad

Always a Cowboy chronicles Judge Wilson McCarthy's role in saving the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad from collapse during the Great Depression. The biography follows McCarthy's rise from Utah farm boy to federal judge and railroad executive. The book documents the complex financial and legal battles surrounding one of America's most significant railroad reorganizations. McCarthy faced opposition from bankers, stockholders, and competing railroad interests while working to preserve a vital transportation link in the American West. The narrative spans key events in Western economic history, from the boom years of the 1920s through the challenges of the Depression and into the World War II era. The book draws on court records, correspondence, and interviews to reconstruct McCarthy's fight to keep the railroad running. This biography illuminates broader themes of Western development, exploring how transportation networks shaped the region's growth and how individual leadership could affect the fate of entire communities. The story stands as a case study in corporate restructuring and economic survival during crisis.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Will Bagley's overall work: Readers consistently note Bagley's thorough research and direct writing style in examining controversial Western history topics. Reviews highlight his use of primary sources and ability to present complex historical events with detail. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of evidence and sources - Balanced coverage of multiple perspectives - Detailed maps and photographs included - Readable narrative style for academic topics What readers disliked: - Some found his tone harsh toward Mormon leadership - Several mentioned the books can be dense with historical detail - A few noted perceived anti-Mormon bias in conclusions - Some wanted more context around quoted sources Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Blood of the Prophets" - 4.2/5 (382 ratings) Amazon: "Blood of the Prophets" - 4.4/5 (156 reviews) "So Rugged and Mountainous" - 4.3/5 (24 reviews) One reader noted: "Bagley lets the historical documents speak for themselves while providing needed context." Another wrote: "Sometimes too academic but always well-researched and supported by evidence."

Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad by David Haward Bain The financing, politics, and business maneuvering behind the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads mirrors McCarthy's efforts to save the Denver & Rio Grande Western.

The Great Northern Railway: A History by Ralph W. Hidy, Muriel E. Hidy, and Roy V. Scott Three historians detail James J. Hill's creation of a railroad empire through strategic financial management and reorganization in the American West.

Harriman vs. Hill: Wall Street's Great Railroad War by Larry Haeg The battle between railroad titans E.H. Harriman and James J. Hill for control of the Northern Pacific Railway demonstrates the high-stakes financial engineering that shaped western railroads.

The Men Who Loved Trains: The Story of Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry by Rush Loving Jr. Railroad executives navigate bankruptcy, mergers, and reorganizations to preserve America's rail systems during the industry's turbulent twentieth century.

The Life and Legend of Jay Gould by Maury Klein This biography examines how the notorious railroad financier used complex financial maneuvers to build and control major western railroad systems.

📚 Judge Wilson McCarthy took control of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad during the Great Depression after it had fallen into bankruptcy for the third time in its history. 🚂 The D&RGW Railroad played a crucial role in World War II by transporting uranium ore from Colorado and Utah mines to processing facilities, contributing to the Manhattan Project. ⚖️ Before becoming a railroad executive, McCarthy served as a Utah district court judge and helped establish the Utah State Bar Association. ✍️ Author Will Bagley wrote over 20 books about Western American history and won multiple awards, including the Westerners International Best Book Award. 🗺️ The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad was known for its scenic routes through the Rocky Mountains and became famous as "The Scenic Line of the World," operating some of the highest elevation rail lines in North America.