Across America: Or The Great West and The Pacific Coast

Across America is a travelog written by James F. Rusling. The book chronicles Ruslings journey across the United States from New York City to San Francisco during a time of rapid expansion and change in the country. Ruslings travelog provides a unique perspective on American life and culture in the late 19th century. He describes the people he meets the towns he passes through and the natural landscapes he encounters providing vivid and detailed accounts of his experiences. Along the way he also shares his thoughts on a variety of social and political issues of the day including race relations womens rights and the impact of industrialization. One of the most interesting aspects of Across America is Ruslings observations on the impact of the transcontinental railroad which had just been completed a few years prior to his journey. He describes the excitement and wonder of this new mode of transportation as well as its impact on the economy and culture of the country.