A switchback was used in mountainous territory to gain elevation. Basically, a train could run uphill in one direction through a switch and onto a stub ended track. The switch would be thrown and the train would then back up the next leg of the climb.
As the years went on, John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, served three terms (six years) in the House of Representatives, and in 1952 he was elected to the US Senate. Soon after being elected senator, John F. Kennedy, at 36 years of age, married 24 year-old Jacqueline Bouvier, a writer with the Washington Times-Herald. Unfortunately, early on in their marriage, Senator Kennedyâs back started to hurt again and he had two serious operations.
Beginning in 1913, he served 7 terms in the House of Representatives. In 1927, he became a United States Senator and later advanced to the position of Majority Leader. In 1944, both Harry S. Truman and Alben Barkley made President Franklin D. Roosevelt s short list for vice-presidential running mates.Truman was chosen by Roosevelt, became President upon Roosevelt s death in 1945, and asked Barkley to run with him on the 1948 ticket.eginning in 1913, he served 7 terms in the House of Representatives. In 1927, he became a United States Senator and later advanced to the position of Majority Leader. In 1944, both Harry S. Truman and Alben Barkley made President Franklin D. Roosevelt s short list for vice-presidential running mates.