In the struggle for power from which emerged the modern railroad network, the southern railroads, which had originally been locally financed, came largely under the influence or control of northern financiers and institutions. The focus of this book is on that aspect of southern railroad development, but in a larger sense it is the story of the creation of one of the most important components of the New South. Originally published in 1955. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.