Impact on Native Lands

1. In what ways did the railroads negotiate or clash with Native American tribes over the lands their tracks traversed? Which tribes found themselves treated with respect, and which encountered injustice?

Contributions of Chinese Immigrants

2. How did Chinese immigrants shape the construction of America's railroads? What roles did they undertake, and what motivated their journey across the ocean to partake in this monumental endeavor?

Ethnic Prejudices and Resilience

3. Murphy notes the prejudice faced by certain ethnic communities. Which groups were targeted by this bias, what fueled such sentiments, and how did these communities confront and overcome discrimination?

Railroad Construction Feats

4. Murphy details the remarkable achievement of Chinese laborers in setting a single-day record for track laying. What was the experience of laying track in Stevenson’s era? Who were the individuals involved, and what were the meticulous steps they followed in this laborious process?

Stevenson's Illness

5. Murphy hints at Stevenson contracting a fatal illness during his trip to California. What perspectives do other biographers offer regarding the origins of his sickness?

European Emigration Promoters

6. As Murphy outlines, salesmen roved through Europe enticing people to migrate to America. Who were these persuasive figures, what strategies did they employ in their missions, and how effective were they in convincing people to embark on this new journey?

Railroad Passenger Classes

7. In the year 1879, what were the distinctions between the various classes of railroad passenger cars? How did each class differ, and who typically traveled in each?

Accent and Suspicion

8. Why might Stevenson's pronounced Scottish brogue arouse suspicion among some individuals?

The Journey Aboard the Devonia

9. Stevenson voyaged on the Devonia. What kind of vessel was the Devonia? Describe the features and purpose of ships akin to the Devonia. Who were their builders, and what missions were they crafted to fulfill? What types of cargo did they transport, and which routes did they sail?

Railroad Transitions

10. During his travels, Stevenson had to switch between railroad companies. What were the prominent railroad companies of 1879, and what rules or laws dictated their interactions and operations?