Great American Railroad Journeys — Season 1, Episode 14: Manassas to Richmond

Episode synopsis

Michael Portillo arrives in Manassas, scene of two crucial battles during the American Civil War - 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.

About Great American Railroad Journeys

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

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Manhattan: Grand Central to Broadway
• E2Manhattan: Lower East Side to World Trade Center
• E3Brooklyn to Montauk
• E4New York City to Garrison
• E5Poughkeepsie to Albany
• E6Schenectady to Rochester
• E7Buffalo to Niagara Falls
• E8Philadelphia to Atlantic City
• E9Lancaster to Gettysburg
• E10Wilmington to Havre de Grace
• E11Baltimore to Fort McHenry
• E12Washington DC