Travel back to 1860 as engineer Theodore Judah dreams of a coast-to-coast railroad through the Sierra Nevada. Discover the incredible ambition and challenges faced by immigrant laborers and engineers during its construction. Explore how the Gold Rush motivated a need for better infrastructure, while political maneuvering shaped the project's future. Learn about the Pacific Railway Act's pivotal role in launching competing railroad companies and the determination of Judah amidst obstacles offering both triumphs and darker truths.
40:20
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Judah's Quest for a Route
In October 1860, Theodore Judah sought a workable railroad route through the Sierra Nevada.
A storekeeper from Dutch Flat led him to Donner Summit, suggesting a route via Donner Pass.
insights INSIGHT
Early Railroading and Transcontinental Dreams
The age of American railroading began in 1830 with the Tom Thumb's journey.
Early promoters envisioned a transcontinental railroad, emphasizing its economic benefits and connection to Asia.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Gold Rush and Judah's Arrival
The 1848 gold rush spurred westward migration, but journeys were slow and dangerous.
Theodore Judah, a young engineer, was hired to build California's first railroad, starting his career.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell examines the phenomenon of social epidemics and how ideas, products, and behaviors spread rapidly. He introduces three key principles: the law of the few (the role of connectors, mavens, and salespeople in spreading ideas), the stickiness factor (how messages or trends must be memorable to spread), and the power of context (how environment and circumstances influence human behavior). Gladwell uses various examples, such as the rise in popularity of Hush Puppies shoes, the decline in New York City's crime rate, and the success of children's TV programs like Sesame Street, to illustrate these concepts. The book provides insights into how small changes can lead to large-scale social and behavioral transformations.
Hidden History of the White House
Corey Mead
This book, presented by the hit podcast American History Tellers, delves into the dramatic and often overlooked events that have shaped America from within the White House. It covers a wide range of historical moments, including Andrew Jackson’s disastrous 1829 inauguration, Woodrow Wilson’s stroke and his wife Edith’s role as shadow president, Abraham Lincoln’s clandestine journey to Washington, Winston Churchill’s wartime sojourn, and Barack Obama’s decision to green-light the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden. The book offers a rare opportunity to explore the social, political, and cultural history of the White House in an accessible and engaging style.
In October 1860, railroad engineer Theodore Judah looked out across California’s Sierra Nevada range, dreaming of a railroad that would connect the United States from coast to coast. It was the start of a decade-long endeavor to build the world’s first transcontinental railroad.
Two competing railroad companies would eventually begin construction, but laying nearly 2,000 miles of iron track across America’s expanse would require vast sums of money – and unimaginable feats of engineering.
Order your copy of the new American History Tellers book, The Hidden History of the White House, for behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened.
Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.
American History Tellers 
