Legends of the Old West HELL ON WHEELS Ep. 1 | “The Great Race”
May 21, 2025
The tumultuous journey to build a transcontinental railroad unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil War. Early rail disasters, like the Gasconade Bridge collapse, spark a nationwide push for safety regulations. Thomas Durant emerges as a key figure, utilizing the project to his advantage while the government supports competing rail companies. Controversial schemes like Credit Mobilier reveal the dark side of ambition. As construction begins, challenges mount, foreshadowing the epic battles to come in the Sierra Nevada.
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Fragmented Rails Hindered A Nation
- Mid-1850s railroads were a fragmented patchwork with varying gauges, schedules, and safety practices that hindered national cohesion. This chaos made travel slow and created systemic safety risks across the industry.
Shackamaxon Wreck Shocks The Nation
- The 1856 Shackamaxon collision in Pennsylvania destroyed wooden cars and boilers exploded, killing over 60 people including many children. The wreck fueled public outrage and demands for railroad regulation.
War Made The Railroad Possible
- The Civil War expanded federal power and logistics, which made a federally-backed transcontinental railroad politically feasible. Congress passed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862, creating the Central and Union Pacific projects.