Railroads: Rates and Regulations

"Railroads: Rates and Regulations" by William Zebina Ripley is a deep exploration of the American railroad system in the early 1900s. The book examines the historical backdrop of transportation in the United States, from canals to the rise of railroads, and underscores how geography shaped the need for advanced travel methods, influencing trade and regional connections. It explains how railroads became essential for commerce, influenced by both government actions and key construction events. It sets the stage for understanding the complex economics that would become railroad rates and regulations.