Although the physical task of building the railroad had been achieved by men, women made significant and lasting contributions to the historic operation. Starting in 1838, women were hired as registered nurses/stewardesses in passenger cars. Women also played a larger part in the actual creation of the rail lines than they have been given credit for. Miss E. F. Sawyer became the first female telegraph operator when she was hired by the Burlington Railroad in Montgomery, Illinois, in 1872. Eliza Murfey focused on the mechanics of the railroad, creating devices for improving the way...