Ep 8. Transcontinental

Extreme Trains is a fascinating documentary series that takes viewers on an exciting journey through some of the toughest and most harrowing train routes in the world. In season 1, episode 8, entitled Transcontinental, we follow host Matt Bown as he embarks on a journey across the vast continent of North America, exploring the history and logistics behind the iconic transcontinental railway.

The episode begins with an overview of the transcontinental railway system, which was built in the late 1800s to connect the east and west coasts of the United States. We learn that the railway was an expensive and risky undertaking, with many obstacles to overcome, such as difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions, and hostile Native American tribes. Nevertheless, the railway was completed in 1869, and it changed the face of America forever, transforming it into an industrial powerhouse that could transport people and goods quickly and efficiently across the country.

Matt then takes us on a journey through the history of the transcontinental railway, visiting several key locations along the way. He starts in Omaha, Nebraska, which was the eastern terminus of the railway. Here, he explores the role that Union Pacific played in the construction of the transcontinental railway. He visits the Union Pacific headquarters, where he interviews several experts who explain the challenges that the workers faced during the construction of the railway, such as the need to blast through solid rock to create tunnels and the need to lay track over steep mountain passes.

Next, Matt travels to Promontory, Utah, where the eastern and western sections of the transcontinental railway were joined together in 1869. Here, he visits the Golden Spike National Historic Site, where he learns about the famous "golden spike" ceremony that marked the completion of the railway. He also explores the role that Chinese immigrants played in the construction of the railway, who made up a significant portion of the workforce.

From there, Matt travels westward along the railway, visiting several key locations along the way. He stops in Sacramento, California, where he explores the role that the Central Pacific Railroad played in building the western section of the railway. He visits the California State Railroad Museum, where he learns about the challenges that the Central Pacific faced during the construction of the railway, such as the need to cross the treacherous Sierra Nevada mountains.

Along the way, Matt also takes a ride on several trains that still operate on the transcontinental railway today. He hops aboard the Amtrak California Zephyr, which is a passenger train that travels from Chicago to San Francisco. He also takes a ride on the Union Pacific freight train, which carries goods across the country, such as cars, food, and raw materials.

Throughout the episode, Matt meets several people who work on the transcontinental railway, such as train drivers, mechanics, and engineers. He learns about the challenges that they face on a daily basis, such as navigating treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions. He also explores the impact that the transcontinental railway has had on American society, such as the ability to transport goods and people quickly and efficiently across the country.

In conclusion, Extreme Trains season 1, episode 8, is a fascinating exploration of the transcontinental railway system that shaped America's history and transformed it into an industrial superpower. Through interviews with experts, visits to historical sites, and rides on modern-day trains, Matt Bown takes viewers on an unforgettable journey that showcases the ingenuity, determination, and hard work that went into building this iconic railway. Whether you're a train enthusiast or just a curious history buff, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire you.