Mary E. Lyons Knihy

Set against the backdrop of 1849 Virginia, the narrative chronicles the ambitious construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad, a vital link to the Ohio River's trade. The project faced immense challenges as enslaved workers and Irish immigrants tackled treacherous terrain, enduring deadly explosions and labor strikes. Chief engineer Claudius Crozet grappled with the haunting consequences of these tragedies over seven years. Award-winning author Mary E. Lyons draws on extensive historical documents to provide an in-depth account of this perilous endeavor.

The narrative delves into the ambitious railroad project in Virginia during the mid-19th century, highlighting the forced labor of at least 300 enslaved individuals and 1,500 Irish immigrants. It explores the intersection of economic development and human suffering, revealing how the state's quest for progress was built on the backs of those who were oppressed. The book provides a poignant examination of the social dynamics and the harsh realities of labor during this transformative period in American history.