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.