English: Cartoon, "The Modern Colossus of (Rail) Roads." Depicted in the center is William Henry Vanderbilt , President of the New York Central Railroad and several other railroads, as the most powerful tycoon in the U.S. railroad industry. Standing on his feet are two other powerful industry figures. On the left is Cyrus West Field , who controlled the New York Elevated Railroad Company . On the right is Jay Gould , who controlled the Union Pacific Railroad and other western railroads.
The sign in the foreground reads, "All freight seeking the seaboard must pass here and pay any tolls we demand." The flag over Field's elevated railway station reads, "L Road; Many nickels stolen are millions gained; by C. W. Field." Composite cartoon created from original two-page publication.