Central Pacific Railroad

The Central Pacific Railroad was a major American railway company that built the western portion of the first transcontinental railroad, connecting California to the eastern U.S. in the late 1860s. Starting in Sacramento, California, it faced challenging terrain like the Sierra Nevada mountains and relied heavily on immigrant labor, notably Chinese workers. Completed in 1869, it revolutionized transportation by allowing faster, more reliable travel and commerce across the country, greatly contributing to westward expansion and economic growth. The railroad played a crucial role in shaping the development of the American West and national unity.