STREETCARS OF AMERICA

by Brian Solomon & John Gruber

Streetcars have long held a special place in the hearts of Americans, serving as an enduring symbol of romantic and heritage-rich cities such as San Francisco, New Orleans, and Chicago. They have even graced the stage and screen, featuring in iconic classics like Meet Me In St Louis and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Streetcars of America provides a comprehensive look at the history of these charming vehicles, tracing their roots from the earliest animal-drawn carriages to their peak in the 1920s, when over 1,200 street railways crisscrossed the nation. The book also delves into the decline of streetcars in the mid-twentieth century, as they faced mounting challenges from the automobile industry and growing urban congestion.

However, this is not just a story of decline. The authors also explore the recent resurgence of interest in streetcars and the efforts to restore their rich heritage. Today, vintage streetcars serve as both an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and a popular tourist attraction in more than thirty cities, including Memphis and Washington, DC.

Brian Solomon is a prolific author with over fifty books on railroads to his name. He has previously served as the editor of Pacific Rail News and has contributed to numerous specialist magazines.

John Gruber is a renowned railroad photographer and past President of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art in Madison, Wisconsin.

ISBN: 978-0-74781-325-5