The Transcontinental Railroad

The Transcontinental Railroad was a significant railway project completed in 1869, connecting the eastern United States with California on the west coast. It facilitated faster transportation of goods and people across the country, transforming trade and migration. Built by the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, it spanned approximately 1,910 miles. The project faced numerous challenges, including rugged terrain and labor shortages, often using immigrant labor. Its completion marked a pivotal moment in American history, promoting economic growth, westward expansion, and cultural exchange, while also impacting Indigenous populations and altering the landscape of transportation in the U.S.