This book chronicles the first century of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, examining its foundational years, expansion, and impact on American industrialization. The authors, George H. Burgess and Miles C. Kennedy, draw upon extensive archival materials to detail the company's growth from its inception in 1846 through its centennial in 1946. The work presents a comprehensive account of the railroad's operational, financial, and strategic development, highlighting its role as a major force in the nation's economic and physical expansion.

This comprehensive history is recognized for its detailed research into the Pennsylvania Railroad's formative century. The work is valued for its thorough documentation of the company's operational and financial evolution, providing significant insight into the development of American infrastructure and industry. It serves as a key reference for understanding the historical trajectory of one of the nation's most influential transportation entities.