Tracks Across America: "Caterpillar" Tractors and the Growth of a Nation

By Mark Johnson and Steve Tarter
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Since its invention, the “Caterpillar” tractor has played a key role in the industrial development of the United States.  From the turn of the century to Neil Armstrong’s first step on the lunar surface, “Tracks Across America” traces the evolution of both a machine and the company that built it.  Written by a retired Caterpillar Inc. engineer and a Peoria-area journalist, the book celebrates the 100th anniversary of the company and the unique heritage of an iconic American product through the use of original company magazine advertisements as illustrations.

“This book represents the building of a nation and a global business icon with a wonderful collection of text and illustrations.  Not many companies have changed the world like Caterpillar Inc.  Whether it’s the roads that improve lives or dams that provide water and everything in between, this company has left a lasting imprint on our lives.  We all should be proud of the generations of manufacturing and progress.” 

Douglas R. Oberhelman – retired Chief Executive Officer, Caterpillar Inc.

 

About the Author

Mark Johnson is a native of the Midwest, born in Michigan and growing up in Wisconsin. After receiving a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1975, he subsequently worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company and then Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois, for thirty-seven years before retiring in 2008.

Steve Tarter was born in England and grew up in Boston. He has made Central Illinois his home, residing in Peoria, Illinois, for the past fifty years. He lives not far from Bradley University, the school he graduated from with a degree in Journalism. He worked for Peoria’s daily newspaper, the Journal Star, for twenty years with stints as a reporter and business editor, where he covered Caterpillar Inc. for a number of years.

Published: 2024
Page Count: 276

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K
Kate W.
Tracks Across America

Very few companies can claim to have had such a significant and long-lasting impact on the growth, infrastructure and societal progress of modern-day United States than Caterpillar. Authors Mark Johnson & Steve Tarter - both longtime residents of Peoria, Illinois, the global headquarters of the company for over 90 years - have delivered an extremely well-written and visually compelling history of the Caterpillar tractor company, which stands at the pinnacle of construction machinery industry today.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the selection of Caterpillar advertisements that were hand-selected to accompany each chapter from Johnson’s personal collection he amassed while working for the company for nearly 40 years. What a creative and thoughtful approach!

The release of this book is extremely well-timed to Caterpillar’s upcoming centennial anniversary, which the company will celebrate in April 2025. I can think of so many audiences who would enjoy and appreciate this fantastic book in recognition of this impressive milestone - including current and former Caterpillar employees, the company’s extensive network of global dealers and customers who have witnessed firsthand the value and progress Caterpillar’s machines have made possible, citizens of central Illinois, business students with a keen interest in the complexities and challenges of building a global enterprise, and those with an interest in the advertising and visual arts industries. Reading this book has invigorated my pride in having been raised in Peoria. I can’t recommend it enough! Kudos to Johnson and Tarter, and hope others enjoy it as much as I did.