A Journey Into Florida Railroad History

A Review
Dano Champagne History of Florida Professor Moody 10.23.11

Dano Champagne Professor Moody History of Florida 10.23.11

A Journey Into Florida Railroad History In this essay I will be discussing the book A Journey Into Florida Railroad History, by Gregg M. Turner. I will introduce the author, summarize the book, show the authors opinions, and present my own opinions about the issues and facts discussed within the book. During the course of this essay, I hope to provide the reader with a better understanding of Turners book, as well as the information it contains. First, I will discuss the authors background.

Gregg M. Turner is an author and historian currently residing in Fort Myers, Florida. Turners area of interest is the railway and locomotive industry, specifically those of Florida and Connecticut. Turner is also the former national director of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, which has its roots in Harvard Business School. The list of books he has written as of present includes Connecticut Railroads: An

Illustrated History, Connecticut Railroads: An Illustrated History One Hundred Fifty Years of Railroad History, A Short History of Florida Railroads, and Railroads of Southwest Florida, among others. While this list may seem somewhat long-winded, it will help me in backing up my points later on. Turner is a well respected and knowledgeable author and historian, and he is considered an expert in his aforementioned field of interest. Now that I have introduced the author, I will do the same for his book.

A Journey Into Florida Railroad History is about, quite simply, Florida railroad history. In this book, he discusses the social and economic state of Florida before, during, and after the railway boom led by men such as Henry Flagler. The book paints a picture for the reader of the railway industry being a metaphorical yellow brick road, or a path to socio-economic enlightenment as well as personal wealth. But just as in the story of Dorothy, the set path isnt exactly what it was described to be. While the path works for a while, they are but a phase in history. We find problems with railways that can be solved by other industries, and we leave the path to forge a new road to the future. The railroad once was the new path. But there is always room in America for progress.

Turners book discusses the time when railways were the answer as well as when railways declined in prosperity. Turner gives particular emphasis to the seeds of the industry in the 1830s, the exponential expansion of the 1880s, and the settlement into a prosperous rhythm in the 1920s. Throughout my reading, it appeared to me that the books intended audience was history aficionados or people studying the financial development of Florida.

Turner states time and time again that without railroads, Florida would not be what it is today. This could not be truer. The railway and locomotive industry was the driving force behind the massive economic expansion that happened in Florida in the 1800s. Railways provided the opportunity to ships goods faster, which in turn both helped keep perishable goods fresh and also increased customer satisfaction and the companys ability to provide their services. This was capitalized on by industries such as the tobacco supply industry in southern Florida, who used the faster shipping time to provide higher quality tobacco to workers who would roll it into cigars. This increase in quality led to an increase in sales, and by affiliation, prosperity. This same principle applied to hundred, perhaps thousands, of companies and industries across Florida with the expansion of the railway and locomotive industry. Now that I have given a brief

summary of what the book is about, I will discuss the opinions within and pertaining to Turners book.

As I have previously stated, Turners main opinion in this book is that without the help of the railway and locomotion industry, Florida would not be what it is today. Florida railways helped shape industry and development in Florida. With that being said, I agree wholeheartedly with the author and what he has written. The railway and locomotive industry helped a developing Florida blossom into fairly wealthy harbor and center of trade. Now that I have discussed the nature of the book, I will give my opinion on the book itself.

Frankly, Turners book was boring. In an hour and a half, I managed only to press through the introduction and first chapter. While I agree with the message of the book and I do not doubt the credibility of the facts and information presented therein, the authors bland way of wrapping the information was the functional equivalent of serving prime rib in the cardboard box from a Burger King Whopper. If the reader doesnt want to open the book, how can they appreciate whats written inside? So from a literary perspective, the book came across as both bland and uncreative. I would not recommend

this book to another student, unless said student was highly interested in either railways or sleep aids.

During the course of this essay, I have discussed Gregg M. Turners book, A Journey Into Florida Railroad History. I have summarized the books message, explained the authors opinion, and given my review of the book as a whole. Once again, I would not read this book unless you found its subject remarkably appealing. While intelligently written and highly informative, I found myself dozing off after every second page. In conclusion, I do not recommend this book. Though at one time I was interested in reading Turners supposedly enthralling work, that train has left the station.

Works Cited Turner, Gregg M. A Journey into Florida Railroad History. Gainesville: University of Florida, 2008. Print.