Legacy America: A Portrait of the American Railway

NOW ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO! Legacy America: A Portrait of the American Railway, directed and co-written by Dagan W. Beckett, follows photographer Holt Webb as he documents the enduring story of passenger rail in the United States. The journey begins in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where one of the film’s early highlights is the historic Steam Engine No. 4501, built in 1911, accompanied by insights from railway historian Charles Googe.

Webb shares his approach to photographing railroad artifacts, such as the Pullman car and caboose, with its distinctive cupola that served as an observation post. Viewers learn about how rail once dominated American travel and commerce, and how each engine, car, and caboose had its own personality shaped by the people it served.

Soon Webb is joined by train enthusiast Rhett, acting as Webb’s guide and rail fact aficionado. Rhett, who is autistic, shares why he is drawn to the train. For instance, the vibrations and sounds of steam trains bring him soothing comfort. Legacy America highlights the issue of “adaptability,” highlighting how members of the autism community can find meaning and purpose. His encyclopedic knowledge and personal connection to the trains make him a standout figure as he speaks to the crowds in his unique manner. Rhett’s narration brings to life the emotional hold that trains have on him, particularly within neurodiverse communities, offering both educational tours and personal reflections. The film draws a parallel between the engineering marvel of a steam engine and a dragon being tamed by its engineer.

The second half of the film transitions to Florida to trace the legacy of industrialist Henry Flagler, who established the state’s rail system along the eastern coast. The modern era is represented by Brightline, a high-speed rail line that utilizes hybrid biodiesel and electric trains. As the film shifts its focus to the future of rail, highlighting clean energy and its first massive project—the proposed LA-to-Vegas Brightline High-Speed rail —it underscores a central question: Is there still a place for passenger rail in a car-centric nation? Through Webb’s lens and narrative, Legacy America captures the past, present, and possible future of American rail travel with clarity and reverence.

“…captures the past, present, and possible future of American rail travel…”

The railroad was the first mode of transportation that gave Americans the freedom to travel. It was fast and luxurious. Its popularity waned with the invention of the car and the expansion of the Eisenhower Interstate highways. Still, it remains an integral part of commerce in the United States and a legacy that must not be forgotten.

Legacy America: A Portrait of the American Railway claims that everyone, in one way or another, is fascinated by trains, and filmmaker Beckett makes a strong case for that claim. Its 45-minute runtime goes by fast. It uplifts the past and brings hope for the future with its focus on zero-emission high-speed rail from Los Angeles to Vegas…which I look forward to taking, having driven this incredibly long and boring route way too many times.

Rhett is also a key draw to Legacy America. Many people with functional cases of autism find themselves drawn to some kind of hobby to bring order and comfort to their lives. As Rhett talks about this connection with trains, it’s easy to see and feel how they bring emotional comfort with the steady rhythmic sound of a train on rails.

The railroad was America’s original gateway to mobility, offering speed, comfort, and a sense of boundless possibility. While cars and highways may have taken center stage in modern travel, the legacy of rail remains vital—not only as a cornerstone of commerce but as a symbol of connection across vast landscapes. Legacy America: A Portrait of the American Railway reminds us that preserving this piece of our national identity is not just about history, but about imagining a future where rail once again plays a meaningful role in how we move.

For more information, visit the Legacy America official website.