Cindy Wilson

This is a well researched account of the Hard Winter of 1880-1881 and the detrimental effect severe weather had on 5 railroad lines in eastern Dakota Territory, along with their residents. It is apparent that many fledgling towns quickly became dependent on the railroads for food, coal & wood. The photos are interesting but I gave the book a so-so rating as the regimented outline writing style is not reader friendly. There are 1178 endnotes.