Discover History at the UP Museum: Dr. Alessandra La Rocca Link Presents The Iron Horse in Indian Country
History comes alive in Council Bluffs this September with a fascinating evening at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. On September 25, historian and author Dr. Alessandra La Rocca Link will share insights from her debut book, The Iron Horse in Indian Country: Native Americans and Railroads in the U.S. West.
This groundbreaking work explores the complex relationship between Native peoples and the 19th century’s most transformative technology: the railroad. Drawing from sources as varied as ancient rock art and landmark court cases, Dr. Link sheds new light on how Native communities navigated the sweeping changes brought by westward expansion. Her research not only examines the realities of settler colonialism, but also highlights the powerful ways Native peoples adapted, resisted, and redefined their place in a rapidly modernizing world.
With a Ph.D. in history from the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Link has dedicated her career to uncovering stories that deepen our understanding of the American West. Her work has been supported by prestigious institutions such as Southern Methodist University’s Clements Center for Southwest Studies, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the Huntington and Newberry Libraries. Since 2021, she has also been shaping young minds as a history and English teacher at Louisville Collegiate School.
Guests are invited to enjoy a book signing from 5:00 to 6:00 PM before the main presentation begins at 6:30 PM inside the UP Museum.
Best of all? This event is completely free and open to the public! Be sure to RSVP early to secure your spot for this unforgettable evening of history, storytelling, and discovery.
