The American Heritage History of Railroads in America explores the heart of that exciting revolution by rolling down the entire main line of the USA's wonderful journey with trains -- from The Best Friend of Charleston in 1830 (which blew up) to Amtrak today. Railroads were arguably the most important phenomenon of the industrial revolution, and certainly its most ubiquitous. Yet their economic and social importance was only part of their profound impact on an age. They were also a form of art. - Jacket flap.