The Transcontinental Railroad by Layla Stone (top 5 books to read txt) 📖

When Papa came running into the house, I couldn’t tell if something exciting had happened, or if he had horrible news. But as soon as I saw the smile on his face, I knew it was good. He explained that he had just walked out of a store when a bunch of bells started ringing. At first he was frightened, but then he found out what was going on! The Golden Spike had finally been driven and the Transcontinental Railroad was finished! I couldn’t really understand what was so exciting about a railroad until Mama explained; “You know how President Lincoln gave away 160 acres of land in the west, right, Virginia?” I nodded my head. “Well, we’re going to travel out to California using the Railroad.”
I gasped, “Out west? California?”
“Yes, Virginia. California,” Mama said softly. “Now, please get on with your chores.”
I went to the kitchen to help Mama with supper. “Mama?” I said.
“Can I help you, Virginia?” Mama asked.
“What do you mean when you say President Lincoln is gave 160 acres?” I asked.
“President Lincoln said that if anybody travels west, they could claim 160 acres. All we have to do it settle on it and farm it for five years.” Mama explained to me.
That night, before bed, my younger sister, Alice, and I tidied up the kitchen. Alice is a pretty sight, with long, wavy golden hair and pink, rosy cheeks. It looks like she dances around the room. After the kitchen was spotless, the dishes washed, and the floor swept, Alice and I climbed into our nightgowns and went to bed. “Good night, Virginia.” I heard her whisper to me.
“Good night, Alice. Sweet dreams,” I smiled back.
We both slept silently.
The next morning, the house was busy as usual. Mama and I made breakfast together, while Alice set the table. After breakfast was made and ready, we could eat. Mama and Papa talked. Us children could not talk unless we were spoken to, for children must be seen, not heard. “So when are we planning on leaving?” Mama asked.
“As soon as the trains start running.” Papa said.
“Virginia, how do you feel about leaving New York for California?” Papa asked me.
What would I say? It was a great offer, 160 acres, but it also meant leaving New York. I didn’t want to go, but what if my words changed everything? I didn’t know what to say, so I said, “I think that it would be an adventure.”
Mama smiled. I could tell that it meant a lot to her that I seemed okay with the idea. I guess California might not be that bad. So Mama and Papa talked the rest of the meal, and us children ate in silence. Alice and I cleared the table and helped Mama with the dishes. After we were done, Mama pulled me aside. She told me, “Virginia, I know that you don’t want to go to California. I’m very proud that you haven’t complained to Papa and I.”
She hugged me and went on with the chores.
The next few days were mostly packing up items that we could take with us. Bags were packed with clothing, money, and items small enough to take on the train. Alice wouldn’t smile while doing this. It was quite obvious that she did not want to go. That evening, Papa explained what was going to happen after the long train ride. He explained that Alice and I would be staying with some old friends that have already settled and have a house. Then Mama and Papa will go to claim some land and get settled. Then they will come get us and we will all start living in the new house. That’s when it happened. All the tears and anger that had been kept inside of me ever since I found out we were going west just burst out. I started bawling. Tears were everywhere. I was a mess. “Virginia! What ever is wrong?” Alice cried out.
Mama patted my head and hugged me. “Oh, Virginia. It’s okay, darling.”
“I don’t want to move.” I said mournfully.
“I know, Virginia, I know.” Mama whispered.
I calmed down a little and we all went to bed.
The next day, we put on our very best clothes and climbed into our horse carriage. “Papa, what will happen to the animals when we leave?” Alice asked tearfully.
“Your Grandfather is coming today to take them to his farm. They will be fine.” Papa replied.
When we finally reached the train station, Alice was quietly crying. I think she’s going to miss her favorite horse, Jingle. I’m going to miss my horse, Mist. Papa went of to see if any friends were here so that he could say good-bye. Mama wiped her eyes and sat down on a hard wooden bench. I sat next to her. “Mama, what is wrong? I thought you were very excited for this,” I said softly.
“Yes, Virginia, I am excited. But…” She started crying.
“Is it because we won’t be coming with you?” I asked gently.
“Yes, Virginia. After eleven years of you never leaving me for as much as three hours, you are moving out with your little sister. I’m going to be very lonely without you and Alice to help me.” Mama said sadly.
I calmed Mama just before Papa came back. Then the train arrived. I looked around me. I saw New York. I realized that I would not ever see this again. Now I would see places out west. As I stepped on the train, I thought about that breakfast. “I said it was going to be an adventure without really meaning it. Now I can say, I’m positive it will be an adventure”, I thought. I smiled and said “Good bye, New York.”

Publication Date: 11-24-2010

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Dedication:
To anyone that traveled on the Rails.