Local author Daniel Faas will talk about his new book “The Granger Railroads of Wisconsin: When Midwestern Farmers Fought Big Industry” in the Reedsburg Library’s Community Room, 370 Vine Street. The book details the beginning of the Grange Movement as local farmers organized to protect themselves against the railroads’ increasing prices on grain shipments.
In the 1870s many Granger politicians came to power in Midwestern states, specifically Wisconsin, and were able to pass state laws limiting the power of the railroads. These laws would become the basis of the federal Interstate Commerce Commission. However, in later years, the federal regulations would lead to the railroads’ decline.
According to Faas, his book “charts the rise and fall of the railroads as it was intertwined with the Grangers, and how the rails we have today are tied so closely to a farmers organization from 150 years ago”. Books will be on hand for purchase at the presentation.
If you have questions about any library service or program, call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.
Event Description:Local author Daniel Faas will talk about his new book “The Granger Railroads of Wisconsin: When Midwestern Farmers Fought Big Industry” in the Reedsburg Library’s Community Room, 370 Vine Street. The book details the beginning of the Grange Movement as local farmers organized to protect themselves against the railroads’ increasing prices on grain shipments.