Great American Railroad Journeys

2016•2 series

Available on U&Yesterday

D. Appleton & Company, in New York, published a series of travel guides in the 19th century, including `Appleton's General Guide to the United States', a book documenting the US railroad system in 1879 amongst others. British railway enthusiast Michael Portillo takes his copy of the guides around the United States and discovers new places. Along the way, Portillo stops at significant historical sites, exploring the little-known past of specific routes and how they influenced the each country's transformation and growth.

Episode 1Manhattan Island

Michael Portillo begins his American odyssey in New York City, starting at Grand Central Terminal. S1 Ep1

Episode 2Brooklyn to Montauk

Michael Portillo heads east from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and takes the Long Island Railroad to Queens. S1 Ep2

Episode 3New York City to Albany

Michael Portillo follows America's iconic River Hudson, beginning at New York City's Penn Station, before sampling ale and meeting the State Senator in Albany. S1 Ep3

Episode 4Schenectady to Niagara Falls

Michael Portillo travels across New York state, discovering how General Electric also leads the way in rail technology. S1 Ep4

Episode 5Philadelphia to Gettysburg

Michael Portillo travels through Philadelphia, and pays tribute its most famous fictional son, Rocky Balboa. S1 Ep5

Episode 6Wilmington to Fort McHenry

Michael Portillo reaches the boundary between the northern and southern states - the Mason-Dixon line. S1 Ep6

Episode 7Washington to Mount Vernon

Michael Portillo arrives in Washington, DC, the centre of political power in the US. S1 Ep7

Episode 8Manassas to Jamestown

Michael Portillo arrives in Manassas, Virginia, scene of two crucial battles during the American Civil War. S1 Ep8

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