Why is train travel perceived as something so romantic?

On the way from St. Louis to Kansas City and then from Kansas City to Los Angeles, I could not help but literally see the answer from the window. For almost the entire trip, the train traveled along rivers, and cut through the trees. Civilization has lacerated and penetrated nature, rendering it tamable. From the comforts of my seat, I could watch the trees go by, and the river flow opposite to the direction of the train...