The last spike, and other railroad stories

"The Last Spike and Other Railroad Stories" by Cy Warman is a compilation of early 1900s tales that center around the daring exploits and hardships faced by individuals who dedicated their lives to building railroads across the rugged landscapes of North America. The collection introduces us to Jim Bradford, a central figure whose story embodies themes of ambition, loyalty, and the often brutal realities of life on the frontier. Pressured by his family and his desire to win the approval of his sweetheart's father, young Bradford embarks on a journey that leads him to the challenging work of constructing the Pacific Railroad where he's able to showcase his courage and skills against both the unforgiving environment and the conflicts with people along the way as the iron horse changes the American West.