Great American Railroad Journeys

Beginning in Brooklyn, Michael hears the moving story behind the construction of the world's first steel suspension bridge high above the East River. Below ground, he investigates the arrival of New York City's first subway and the dangers faced by the men who built it: the `sandhogs'.

Michael begins his American adventure on Manhattan Island. Starting at New York's Grand Central Terminal, he boards the Manhattan subway system, the busiest rail transit system in the US.

Michael Portillo rides the railroads of America. Beginning at New York City's Penn Station, Michael rides the national rail carrier service Amtrak.

Michael Portillo joins the crew of the Strasburg Railroad, to ride on the footplate of a vintage steam locomotive.

Michael Portillo arrives in the nation's capital, Washington DC, centre of political power in the world's most powerful country. He discovers how it was built from scratch after a political compromise between north and south. At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Michael meets the man responsible for engraving the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the current five-dollar bill and gets his hands on more money than he has ever held in his life.

Michael Portillo arrives in Manassas, scene of two crucial battles during the American Civil War. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, he tries his hand at bottling bourbon corn whiskey and learns how it became the nation's spirit. In Richmond, a plate of ham and eggs with southern grits sets Michael up for a tour of the Virginia state Capitol building, where he learns about the terrible dilemma faced by one of its most famous sons, General Robert E Lee.