"After the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, the rest of the country was up for grabs, and the race was on. The prize: a better, shorter, less snowy route through the corridors of the American Southwest, linking Los Angeles to Chicago. In Rival Rails, Borneman lays out in compelling detail the sectional rivalries, contested routes, political posturing, and ambitious business dealings that unfolded as an increasing number of lines pushed their way across the country"--Page 2 of cover.

Opening gambits (1853-1874) -- Lines upon the map -- Learning the rails -- An interruption of war -- Transcontinental by any name -- The Santa Fe joins the fray -- Straight west from Denver -- "Why is it we have so many bitter enemies?" -- Contested empire (1874-1889) -- Showdown at Yuma -- Impasse at Raton -- Battle royal for the gorge -- Handshake at Deming -- West across Texas -- Transcontinental at last -- Battling for California -- Gould again -- To the halls of Montezuma -- California for a dollar -- Santa Fe all the way (1889-1909) -- Making the markets -- Canyon dreams and schemes -- The boom goes bust -- Still west from Denver -- Top of the heap -- Dueling streamliners.