The Real History of the Transcontinental Railroad

The Transcontinental Railroad connected the United States, but it also created divisions. It displaced Native Americans and disrupted their trade and hunting. Chinese workers broke barriers but also faced terrible conditions working on the railroad. They stood up and fought for better conditions by walking off the job. Learn more about the lasting legacy of the railroad, how Chinese workers are now being honored, and more.

Have you ever considered what’s missing from history books? In Left Out of History, explore the misunderstood and underexamined past in this engaging series. Compelling photographs and primary sources help bring previously buried history to light.

Read Woke™ Books are created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. Inspired by a belief that knowledge is power, Read Woke Books seek to amplify the voices of people of the global majority (people who are of African, Arab, Asian, and Latin American descent and identify as not white), provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, share perspectives of people who have been underrepresented or oppressed, challenge social norms and disrupt the status quo, and encourage readers to take action in their community.