Just a random thought here, brought up by all the display discussions, did anyone here actually have transportation taught in history classes in the public schools? Even in passing? I don't. Not even the transcontinental RR(s) or the scandals about them I've been thinking back and the only thing I remember being mentioned are the names of the ships that Columbus used on his first voyage, 18th century slave ships, and the canoes that Lewis & Clark used. I don't recall ever being taught about things like The National Road, the canal building era (might have been a few songs about the Eire Canal sung in Music class) the coming of the railroads or anything else in the entire 12 years. Not any 20th century stuff either, no highways (Interstate or otherwise but I do remember mention of Henry Ford's assembly line), no airplanes (except mention of the Wright brothers 1st flight, I think) not even Sputnik!

Seems odd when you consider how much of the news of any given day is about transportation issues and how much politicos like to pat themselves on the back over it. Or perhaps it's just another case of teachers avoiding anything that might be controversial and put their contract for next year at risk?

Everything I've learned about it has been outside the walls of the school system though.

Hank
PS I should mention that the school district I went to - Ames, Iowa - got consistently high marks nationwide at that time (1966-79), something I didn't believe until I went off to college for the first time and met people who had gone to other schools. Like my ex-wife who had grown up in Colorado & had never heard of the Sand Creek massacre until I mentioned it.