As railroads grew in size and complexity it became obvious that a code of rail law would be necessary for proper regulation.

And the laws began to appear. Federal  laws, state laws and laws formulated by the railroads themselves. Most were relevant to the day-by-day operation of the lines, and to the interests of public safety and service. But occasionally the lawmakers got carried away.

The Kansas legislature was very specific: “When two trains approach each other at a crossing, they both shall come to a full stop. . . neither shall start again until the other has gone”.

Washington state required each train to carry a dog on the cow catcher to put to flight cattle obstructing the track.

Texas law demanded “one cuspidor for every three seats in a parlor car”, and in Alabama “children may not run on trains”.