The Transcontinental Railroad

The examination and the research on the Transcontinental Railroad has led many to the realization of the significance of the Railroad in American history whether it be positive or negative. The Great Railroad was created between the years of 1863 to 1869. It all had begun with a charter granted to the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad Companies through the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862. In the seven years, the two companies raced toward the meeting point in Promontory, Utah; one starting from Sacramento, California and the other from Omaha Nebraska. This massive system became the symbol of that time period, being the biggest construction project of that time. Along the way, many buffaloes were killed by hired hunters because, the
Agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and livestock were produced in high numbers. Settlers of the West grew grains, fruits, and vegetables which would be shipped out through the railroad to be carried to distant cities in the East. In addition, with the invention of refrigerated cars in the 1880s, the freshness of perishable food was guaranteed (AP Study Notes). With larger and diverse areas now available for plantations, agriculture flourished. The Railroad was already shipping 50 million dollars worth of freight each year within ten years of the railroad’s completion. Because of the expansion to new territories, the Americans grew accustomed to the varying climate and environment of the different region, introducing new agricultural strategies of growing crops where it is best suited. Thus, the diet of the Americans became more colorful and various (Schwantes). Along with the crops, meat production increased as well. With the help of the Transcontinental Railroad, Texas longhorn cattles were able to be shipped to the East, meeting the demands of beef. By 1871, more than 700,000 cattles were transported over to the East (Gale Encyclopedia). Considering that one cattle was priced at around 40 dollars, cattle business had soaring profit (Gale Encyclopedia). This sudden success of the business was due to the increase in demand for beef After
Although the original tracks from the Transcontinental Railroad had dissolved throughout the years, with only small portion of it still used today, it had changed our lives for the good. It contributed to the innovation of international affairs and most importantly the lives of the Americans. The impact of it is not just observed in the past, but also in the development of the contemporary society as it still has a crucial part in our transportation industry as well as our economic and social