Great American Railroad Journeys (2016)

Episode Overview

Continuing his American journey, Michael Portillo arrives in the heart of cowboy culture in Kansas City, Missouri, once known as the meat-packing capital of the nation. In Paola, Kansas, he participates in a livestock auction alongside modern-day cowboys and enjoys a meal featuring delicious smoky spare ribs. In the West Bottoms district, Michael delves into the city’s Irish roots, visiting the first Irish business established in the U.S., which remains in the hands of the founder’s great-granddaughter. In St. Joseph, Missouri, he uncovers the story of the historic Pony Express, a mail delivery service, and looks into the dramatic fate of the notorious outlaw Jesse James.