For more than 100 years, steam locomotives were the biggest and fastest land machines to travel across America. After they were technologically displaced by the diesel-electric locomotive in the 1950s, significant examples were restored for historical societies, museums, and tourist railroads. This volume tells the story of America's mainline steam locomotives and illustrates that story with vintage B&W action views of the engines in regular revenue service before retirement and color photographs of the restored locomotives. Each locomotive is set in proper historical perspective, and its place on the "developmental ladder" is summarized in easily understandable terms. Also includes a capsule history of each locomotive's restoration and operation.