Albert Fishlow presents a quantitative and analytic study of the role played by railroads in initiating and sustaining modern economic growth in the United States before the Civil War. Utilizing basic statistics never before compiled, he investigates the direct benefits of lower cost transportation, the character of the demands created by railway construction and operation, and the developmental sequences set in motion by the availability of railway transport service. His study reaffirms the significance of the railroads as a major historic and strategic force.