First published 2013
Simon Winchester examines how America transformed from separate states into one unified nation. He follows the journeys and achievements of explorers, engineers, and innovators who connected the country's vast geography and diverse populations. Winchester travels from Pittsburgh to Portland, Rochester to San Francisco, Seattle to Anchorage, documenting the work of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, transcontinental telegraph builders, and the civil engineer who created the Interstate Highway System. He introduces both famous and forgotten figures who played crucial roles in binding the United States together. The book explores whether these historic unification efforts truly succeeded and considers their lasting impact. Winchester combines extensive travel with historical research to show how individual pioneers helped forge a cohesive nation from disparate territories. The book offers readers a comprehensive look at the people and projects that created modern America's infrastructure and identity.
Genres: history, travel, non-fiction, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-nonfiction
Setting: Anchorage, Pittsburgh, Portland, Rochester, San Francisco, Seattle
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
496 pages · Hardcover · Harper