September 10, 1859 | Illustration
This image from the September 10, 1859 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a man dressed for a morning on the town.
September 1, 1860 | Illustration
This image from the September 1, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts celebratory fireworks following the completion of the Victoria Tubular Bridge in Montreal, Canada.
October 25, 1863
In this letter from October 25, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing his journey from Eddyville, Iowa to Albia, Iowa via stage coach as reminiscent of "old times." He states that stage coaches "are like the wild indians soon to be banished from the land to b known no more." Reed comments on crop prices and states he intends to come home for the winter unless "the work on the new road is commenced." He also notes that he has been reading William Howard Russell's My Diary, North and South, and finds it highly amusing.
June 19, 1867
In this letter from June 19, 1867, Sally A. Kendrick writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, thanking her for the books she sent. She notes she is glad to hear that Mr. Reed has recovered from his illness, and wishes she could travel "over the glorious West" to see them. She states she is "glad that the church has two such men on the Union Pacific Road as S.B. Reed & General Simpson," as they will spread good impressions of Christianity as they make their way further into the West.
July 30, 1867 | Letter
In this letter from July 30, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his return trip after leaving Chicago, where he was visiting his family. Reed apologizes to his wife for visiting "several" saloons and other "dens of vice and crime" in Julesburg after his return. He gives a detailed account of his activities, which illustrates the availability of such diversions along the western portion of the Union Pacific Railroad.
1880 | Book
An excerpt from Henry Adams' Democracy, An American Novel.
1911 | Photograph
This image from The Modern Railroad (1911) captures a white, female passenger receiving a manicure from an African-American woman while aboard the railroad.
1911 | Photograph
This image from The Modern Railroad (1911) captures the interior of an elegant dining car, including several of its male and female passengers.