🐻California History Unit 7 – The Transcontinental Railroad's Impact

Background and Context

• The Transcontinental Railroad connected the eastern and western United States, spanning from Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California
• Driven by the need for faster transportation and communication across the vast continent
• Westward expansion and the California Gold Rush increased demand for a reliable transportation system
• The Pacific Railway Act of 1862 authorized the construction of the railroad and provided government support through land grants and loans
• Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War
• Two main companies were involved: the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR) building from the west and the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) from the east
• The project aimed to unite the nation, facilitate trade, and promote economic development

Planning and Construction

• Surveying and mapping of potential routes began in the 1850s to determine the most feasible path
• Construction officially started in 1863 with the groundbreaking ceremony in Sacramento, California (CPRR) and Omaha, Nebraska (UPRR)
• The CPRR faced challenges crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains, requiring extensive tunneling and bridge construction
  • Summit Tunnel, the longest tunnel on the route, took almost two years to complete
• The UPRR encountered difficulties in the Great Plains, including hostile Native American tribes and harsh weather conditions
• Thousands of workers, primarily Chinese immigrants for the CPRR and Irish immigrants for the UPRR, were employed in the construction
• The two railroad lines met at Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869, where the famous "Golden Spike" ceremony marked the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
• Construction techniques included:
  • Grading and leveling of land
  • Laying tracks and ties
  • Building bridges and trestles to cross rivers and ravines

Key Figures and Companies

• Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker (known as "The Big Four") were the main investors and directors of the CPRR
• Thomas C. Durant was a key figure in the UPRR, serving as vice president and general manager
• Theodore Judah, a civil engineer, was instrumental in surveying and promoting the route through the Sierra Nevada for the CPRR
• Grenville Dodge, a Union Army general and engineer, was the chief engineer for the UPRR
• Chinese laborers made up a significant portion of the CPRR workforce, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 workers
  • They faced discrimination, dangerous working conditions, and lower wages compared to their white counterparts
• Irish immigrants formed a large part of the UPRR workforce, with many having previous experience in railroad construction
• The Central Pacific Railroad Company of California was founded in 1861 and later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad
• The Union Pacific Railroad Company was established in 1862 and continues to operate as a major freight railroad in the United States

Technological Advancements

• The Transcontinental Railroad project drove innovations in railroad engineering and construction
• Tunneling techniques improved, including the use of nitroglycerin explosives to blast through solid rock
• Steam-powered drilling machines and rock crushers expedited tunnel construction
• The development of the telegraph allowed for better communication and coordination between construction crews and management
• Improved surveying instruments and techniques enabled more accurate mapping and route planning
• The use of prefabricated track sections and standardized gauges streamlined the track-laying process
• Bridges and trestles were designed to withstand the weight of heavy locomotives and freight
• The introduction of the Pullman sleeping car in 1864 revolutionized long-distance rail travel by providing passengers with comfortable accommodations

Economic Impact

• The Transcontinental Railroad significantly reduced travel times and transportation costs across the United States
  • The journey from New York to San Francisco was reduced from several months to about a week
• It facilitated the growth of interstate commerce and trade, connecting markets in the East and West
• Agricultural products from the West, such as grains and livestock, could be shipped to eastern markets more efficiently
• The railroad stimulated industrial development, as manufacturers could access raw materials and distribute finished goods more easily
• The railroad companies themselves became major economic powers, with extensive land holdings and political influence
• The increased accessibility of the West led to a boom in mining, logging, and ranching industries
• The railroad created new job opportunities, both in its construction and operation, contributing to economic growth and development
• However, the railroad also contributed to economic disparities, as some individuals and corporations amassed great wealth while others, particularly Native Americans and small farmers, were displaced or exploited

Social and Cultural Changes

• The Transcontinental Railroad accelerated westward expansion and settlement, leading to significant population growth in the West
• It facilitated the integration of the West into the nation, politically and culturally
• The railroad made travel more accessible to a broader range of people, including tourists, businessmen, and settlers
• It exposed travelers to diverse landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country
• The influx of settlers and the expansion of the railroad led to increased conflicts with Native American tribes, who were displaced from their lands and faced cultural disruption
• The railroad contributed to the growth of cities and towns along its route, as well as the decline of some communities bypassed by the railroad
• It played a role in the spread of ideas, news, and cultural practices across the nation
• The railroad facilitated the growth of a national market for goods and services, contributing to the development of a more unified American culture
• Chinese and Irish immigrant workers faced discrimination and exploitation during and after the construction of the railroad

Environmental Consequences

• The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad had significant impacts on the natural environment
• Deforestation occurred as timber was harvested for railroad ties, fuel, and construction materials
• Grading and tunneling altered landscapes, causing erosion and scarring hillsides
• The railroad facilitated the rapid exploitation of natural resources, such as timber, minerals, and wildlife
• Hunting of bison and other game intensified, as the railroad provided easier access to previously remote areas
  • This contributed to the near-extinction of the American bison by the late 19th century
• The introduction of non-native species, such as weeds and pests, spread along the railroad corridors, disrupting local ecosystems
• The railroad's expansion into pristine wilderness areas opened them up to development and settlement, leading to the loss of biodiversity and habitat
• Air and water pollution increased due to the burning of coal and the disposal of waste from railroad operations
• However, the railroad also played a role in the establishment of some national parks and conservation efforts, as it made these areas more accessible to the public and raised awareness of their value

Legacy and Long-Term Effects

• The Transcontinental Railroad had far-reaching and lasting impacts on the United States
• It played a crucial role in the nation's westward expansion and the fulfillment of Manifest Destiny
• The railroad contributed to the economic integration and development of the country, laying the foundation for the modern American economy
• It transformed the concept of time and space, making long-distance travel and communication faster and more efficient
• The railroad's influence on settlement patterns and urban growth can still be seen in the layout and development of many western cities
• It left a complex legacy for Native American communities, who faced displacement, cultural disruption, and loss of sovereignty
• The Transcontinental Railroad served as a symbol of American innovation, progress, and unity in the post-Civil War era
• It paved the way for subsequent railroad construction and the development of a vast national transportation network
• The railroad's impact on immigration and labor continues to shape discussions about race, ethnicity, and social justice in the United States
• The Transcontinental Railroad remains an iconic achievement in American history, representing both the triumphs and the challenges of the nation's growth and development