84: Transcontinental Railroad (pt 2): Dr. Thomas Durant, The Union Pacific & “Hell on Wheels”

History That Doesn't Suck

ProfGregJackson

Education, History, Society & Culture

4.5 • 5.1K Ratings

🗓️ 15 February 2021

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“How dare you try to hog all the continent?” This is the story of the Union Pacific Railroad. The US Government has legislated that a private company be organized with government oversight to build a railroad from Nebraska to Nevada. It will meet the Central Pacific and form a transcontinental rail across the whole United States. Unfortunately, few are interested in investing in this risky endeavor in the midst of the Civil War. But one man isn’t afraid to do so. Of course, his lack of fear is equaled by a lack of scruples. He’ll wheel, deal, cut corners, extend rail, manipulate stock prices, and more in his goal to make a windfall of cash from the “Pacific Road.” This is Dr. Thomas Durant. Meanwhile, life is rough on the rails. Irish immigrants, war vets (blue and gray alike) and more, work hard while living in a world far removed from the law. Out here, might makes right and arguments are won by the fastest draw as men frequent the saloons, dance halls, and brothels following the railroad on the very tracks they just laid. These portable towns are often called the “wickedest cities in America.” Welcome to “Hell On Wheels.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	History that doesn't suck is a bi-weekly podcast, delivering a legit, seriously researched
0:04.2	hard-hitting survey of American history through entertaining stories.
0:07.5	If you'd like to support HTTDS or enjoy some perks, like ad-free early releases or patron
0:12.6	exclusive mini episodes, please consider giving at patreon.com forward slash history that
0:18.2	doesn't suck.
0:19.2	To keep up with HTTDS news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
0:31.5	It's mid-November, 1868.
0:34.2	Intentions are high in Wyoming Territories Bear River City.
0:37.5	There's hardly a soul to be seen here a year back, but now, as the Union Pacific's
0:41.7	Varydual Army of Employees, Toyle and Sweat, laying transcontinental rail out here by the
0:46.7	Wyoming in Utah Territories border, their presence has exploded the settlement's population
0:51.3	to 2000.
0:53.2	Many of them are rough, hard-living types, and I'm not just talking about the Union
0:56.7	Pacific men.
0:58.3	Portable wood and canvas saloons, brothels, music halls, and pretty much any other establishment
1:03.2	that facilitates gambling, drinking, or the knocking of boots, follow them on the newly
1:07.4	laid rails.
1:10.2	The one thing doesn't follow so well.
1:12.4	That's the law.
1:14.8	With that combo, Bear River City is yet another railroad town where might makes right, disputed
1:19.5	poker games are settled by the fastest draw, and emboldened bandits may kill a man for
1:24.6	his wages on payday.
	...

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