Lesson 1: Introduction to the Transcontinental Railroad

Objective

Review the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad and highlight the role of Chinese laborers.

Introduction (10 minutes):

Hook: Show a short video clip on the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Keynote: In the video, the Chinese were portrayed, in a positive tone, as the savior backups, doing the dirty work that no one else wanted to do. However, they were not truly seen or treated as such (Lesson 2, 3, 5).

Discussion: Ask students what they know about railroads and their importance in history.

Learning Objective

Review the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad and highlight the role of Chinese laborers. Explain the context of the Transcontinental Railroad, highlighting its construction from 1863 to 1869. Discuss the Pacific Railway Act signed by President Lincoln in 1862, which initiated the project.

Content

The Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental project in American history that connected the East and West coasts of the United States by rail for the first time. Its construction took place from 1863 to 1869. Before the railroad, traveling across the country was a long and dangerous journey, often taking months by wagon or ship. The idea of a railroad stretching across the continent promised faster, safer, and more reliable transportation, which was essential for the growing nation.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act into law. This act provided the necessary support and funding to begin the construction of the railroad. The act authorized two companies, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad, to build the railroad from different starting points and eventually meet in the middle. The Union Pacific Railroad started building from Omaha, Nebraska, heading west, while the Central Pacific Railroad began in Sacramento, California, and worked eastward. The government offered land and loans to these companies as incentives to complete the project. For every mile of track laid, the companies received land on either side of the tracks, which they could then sell or develop. This arrangement helped finance the expensive and labor-intensive construction process.

The railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, when the two lines met at Promontory Summit in Utah. This historic event marked a significant achievement in American history, transforming transportation, commerce, and the overall development of the United States.

Key Figures

• Leading companies: Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad companies. Four leaders; Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker.
  • The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was spearheaded by two companies: the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad.
  • These companies were responsible for building the railroad from opposite sides of the country and meeting in the middle.
  • The Central Pacific Railroad started its construction in Sacramento, California, and worked eastward. It was led by a group of ambitious businessmen known as the "Big Four": Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker.
  • On the other side, the Union Pacific Railroad began its construction in Omaha, Nebraska, heading westward. The driving force behind the Union Pacific was Thomas Durant, a shrewd and ambitious businessman.

A depiction of the Big Four (Leland Stanford, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker). From Media Outlet.

Significance

The railroad significantly accelerated the settlement of the Western United States. Before its completion, traveling across the country was arduous, taking months by wagon or ship.

The railroad reduced this journey to just about a week, making the West more accessible. This ease of travel encouraged people to move westward, leading to rapid population growth and the establishment of new towns and cities. It also facilitated the movement of pioneers, homesteaders, and immigrants seeking new opportunities, thus populating vast, previously sparsely inhabited regions.

The railroad revolutionized the movement of goods and people. It provided a reliable and efficient means of transporting agricultural products, raw materials, and manufactured goods across the country. Farmers in the Midwest and the Great Plains could now ship their produce to markets on the East Coast, while manufacturers in the East could send their goods to the West. This interconnectedness boosted trade and commerce, creating a national market and stimulating economic activity across various sectors.

A depiction of the popularity of the railroad and its unification powers. People stand around amazed by the invention. From Politico.

The Transcontinental Railroad also played a critical role in the overall growth of the American economy. It opened up new resources and markets, leading to increased industrial production and economic diversification. The construction itself created thousands of jobs and spurred the growth of industries such as steel, timber, and mining. The railroad companies' land grants led to extensive land sales and development, further fueling economic expansion.

The railroad contributed to the unification of the country during a time of post-Civil War reconstruction. It physically linked the East and West coasts, fostering a sense of national unity and identity. The ability to travel and communicate more easily across vast distances helped integrate the diverse regions of the United States, promoting political cohesion and social interaction.

Overall, the railroad was crucial for America's expansion, economic growth, and the unification of the country. Its impact on the settlement of the West, the movement of goods and people, and the overall growth of the American economy was so incredibly important.

Activity

Prepare a Map of the United States (1860s) and trace the route of the Transcontinental Railroad. Mark key locations such as Omaha, Nebraska (starting point of Union Pacific), Sacramento, California (starting point of Central Pacific), and Promontory Summit, Utah, where the two lines meet on May 10, 1869. Mark other points of interest to you; make sure to label clearly!

A map that illustrates the path of the Transcontinental railroad. From the Library of Congress.

Ask yourself to consider the geographical challenges (e.g., mountains, deserts) that workers faced during the construction of the railroad. What are your thoughts? What do you notice? For homework, research one interesting fact about the Transcontinental Railroad to share in your next class or conversation.