The Deschutes River Railroad War

Tracing the geological and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, Leon Speroff uniquely evokes the Age of the Railroad in his newest book, The Deschutes River Railroad War. With intricate detail, expert understanding and amusing anecdotes, he brings to life this fascinating true tale of the race to expand railroad service from the Columbia River up the Deschutes River to Bend, Oregon. There are 89 black and white historical photos, 55 full color photos, 16 maps, numerous charts, railroad logos and memorabilia.

The building of a branch line south from the Columbia River to Bend, Oregon (about 150 miles) between 1909 and 1911, pitted railroad barons James J. Hill (Northern Pacific) and Edward H. Harriman (Union Pacific) in a "war," complete with shootings and other shenanigans. Simultaneously building parallel tracks on opposite sides of the Deschutes River--where in several sections only one track could be built--the rival companies raced to dominate. Eventually the disputes were settled in federal court. This well-produced volume from a small Oregon publisher offers meticulous research by Speroff, an Oregon-based obstetrician who clearly writes as a labor of love. He narrates the events and in addition offers substantive geologic information and historical background about railroads, railroad-building, and the people involved. Contemporary sepia photographs and current color photographs of the same subject taken from the sky, and abundant references support the text. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)