The intent of this, the initial paper of this publication, is generally to set the stage for the more specific and detailed state-of-the-art papers to follow. The evolution of the North American tee rail in its struggle to "keep its head" under progressively heavier and faster-moving motive power and rolling stock is traced briefly. Technological developments in rail steel and rail production designed to improve quality and enhance resistance to service developments are reviewed. This includes adaptation of various steelmaking processes and grades of steel to the production of rails, and the handling of the steel through the forming, cooling, finishing, and in some cases further treatment of the'rails.