Transcontinental Railroad: A train route across the United States, completed in 1869. It was the project promoted by the Pacific Railway Act.
Homestead Act (1862): An act that provided free land in the West to anyone willing to settle there and develop it. This encouraged westward migration along with the development of railroads.
Land Grant: A grant of public land, especially to an institution, organization or to particular groups of people such as war veterans.