Transcontinental railroad

Definition

The transcontinental railroad is a railway system that connects the eastern and western coasts of the United States, completed in 1869. It significantly transformed the American West by facilitating transportation, commerce, and communication, thus playing a crucial role in the westward expansion of settlers and the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The completion of the transcontinental railroad dramatically reduced travel time across the country from several months to about one week.
2. The railroad was essential for transporting goods, enabling agricultural products from the West to reach markets in the East and vice versa.
3. Construction of the railroad faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and conflicts with Native American tribes.
4. The Golden Spike was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869, marking the official completion of the railroad.
5. The transcontinental railroad played a vital role in shaping American society by encouraging westward migration and economic growth during the Gilded Age.

Review Questions

• How did the transcontinental railroad influence migration patterns in the United States?
  • The transcontinental railroad significantly influenced migration patterns by providing a faster and more efficient means for settlers to travel to the western territories. With easier access to distant lands, many people moved westward in search of new opportunities, including land for farming and mining prospects. This influx of settlers contributed to population growth in these areas and accelerated the development of towns and cities along the railroad routes.
• Evaluate the economic impact of the transcontinental railroad on both the eastern and western regions of the United States.
  • The transcontinental railroad had a profound economic impact on both eastern and western regions by creating a unified national market. It facilitated the movement of goods such as agricultural products, timber, and minerals from the West to Eastern markets, stimulating commerce and industry. Additionally, it enabled Eastern manufacturers to access raw materials from the West more efficiently, fostering economic interdependence between regions and contributing to rapid industrial growth.
• Assess how the construction of the transcontinental railroad affected Native American populations and their lands during its development.
  • The construction of the transcontinental railroad had devastating effects on Native American populations and their lands. As crews laid tracks through their territories, many tribes faced displacement and loss of traditional hunting grounds due to increased settlement by non-Native Americans. Additionally, conflicts arose over land rights and resources as settlers encroached on Native lands. This disruption of Native communities led to significant cultural changes and contributed to a broader pattern of marginalization and violence against indigenous peoples during westward expansion.

Related terms

Pacific Railway Act: Legislation passed in 1862 that authorized the construction of the first transcontinental railroad and provided federal land grants to support its development.

Central Pacific Railroad: One of the two main railroads that constructed the transcontinental railroad, beginning in Sacramento, California, and moving eastward.

Union Pacific Railroad: The other main railroad involved in building the transcontinental railroad, starting in Omaha, Nebraska, and heading westward.