Railroads existed in the eastern part of the United States for many years before a transcontinental railroad was proposed. The huge undertaking was thought to be impossible--until a route was found that would work! This book brings readers of all levels on a journey along the 1,800-mile-long track that was laid from Nebraska to California. Photographs and historical images of the time complement the low-level text perfect to engage struggling readers with this moment in U.S. history. The text supports knowledge building, a key component in the science of reading.