U.P. Trail, The by Zane Grey (1872 - 1939)

Grey's story of the struggles to build the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860's. Typical western characters, but placed in a factual setting. His first real attempt at historical fiction. The heroes must battle the human challenges of greed, ruthlessness, and ambition, as well as the tremendous challenges of nature, to make the rail connection between East and West. (Summary by Bob Rollins)