The Transcontinental Railroad

Transcontinental-Across the Continent

The American West

• Railroads became an important part of the American economy beginning in the 1850’s.

.. x

Omaha, Nebraska

Sacramento, California

Promontory Point, Utah

Union Pacific Railroad

Central Pacific

Railroad

· In 1863, two companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, began building the first transcontinental railroad.

J

jWhy did n’t they start on the East Coast?

· Labor was scarce due to the hard, dangerous work and low pay.

· Therefore, _____________labor was used.

Union Pacific - hired many Irish immigrants

Central Pacific - approximately 90% of their workforce were Chinese immigrants

Chinese railroad workers perform their duties in the snow.

· The workers endured scorching deserts, blinding snowstorms, and blasted through mountains.

Promontory Point, UTPromontory Point, UT(May 10, 1869)(May 10, 1869)

Promontory Point, UTPromontory Point, UT(May 10, 1869)(May 10, 1869)

Teach your neighbor who mainly built the:

Central Pacific RailroadUnion Pacific Railroad

What were the hardships they faced?

Effect of the Railroads: Quick and easy travel to the West

• Before the railroad....Pioneers had to travel mostly by _______________.

• The railroad turned a 6 month journey into a maximum of ___________

The Impact of the Railroads

My train leaves at 4 pm. It takes 3 hours to get to Knoxville. So…

hmm…I will arrive at 7?

I forgot to wind my watch…and now I’ve missed

my train.

Railroad ConstructionRailroad ConstructionRailroad ConstructionRailroad Construction

4 minutes per line of longitude.=How many lines to equal 1 hr.

The Impact of the Railroads

In 1864, George Pullman designed a railroad sleeping car.

Now people can travel for work and for pleasure.

The Impact of the Railroads

In 1869, George Westinghouse helped make railway travel safer and faster with the invention of a new air brake.

The Impact of the Railroads

Railroad lines also added dining cars where porters, conductors and waiters attended the needs of passengers.

With your partner, list three impacts the railroad could have

on the economy.

Economic Growth1. Steel/Iron-Tracks

2. Lumber-Railroad Ties

3. Coal-Fuel for engines

4. Working on the Trains

5. Towns-Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions

Teach your neighbor 3 advantages the transcontinental

railroad brought to America.