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Great American Railroad Journeys

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Factual: Travel

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America.

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America, armed with Appleton's General Guide to the United States, published in 1879.

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Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 1

Michael Portillo

John Comerford

Alison Kreps

Boundless Productions

Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 1: Episode 14: Manassas to Richmond

Episode 14

Episode 14: Manassas to Richmond

Series 1

Manassas to Richmond

BBC Two - Great American Railroad Journeys, Series 1, Manassas to Richmond

Michael Portillo visits Manassas, scene of two battles during the American Civil War.

Michael Portillo arrives in Manassas, scene of two crucial battles during the American Civil War, and visits the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond.

Steered by his 1879 Appleton's Guide to the United States, Michael Portillo arrives in Manassas, scene of not one, but two, crucial battles during the American Civil War, and the first railroad battles in US history. 

In Fredericksburg, Virginia, he tries his hand at bottling bourbon corn whisky 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.

Charmed by the English heritage of this former colony, Michael puts on his dancing shoes and heads for a cotillion ball, where it seems manners are the name of the game.

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Great American Railroad Journeys

Series 1

Episode 14: Manassas to Richmond

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