Lesson 8.1 Miners and Ranchers / Transcontinental Railroad

What was the primary purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• To create a tourist attraction

• To unite the eastern and western parts of the United States

• To transport buffalo meat

• To provide jobs for veterans

Who was Theodore Judah?

• A famous buffalo hunter

• An engineer who planned the railroad route

• A politician who opposed the railroad

• A Civil War general

Which two companies were responsible for building the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Great Northern and New York Central

• Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific

• Union Pacific and Central Pacific

• Southern Pacific and Northern Pacific

What challenge did workers face while constructing the railroad through the Sierra Nevada?

• Lack of workers and materials

• Extreme weather conditions and rugged mountains

• Shortage of Chinese and Irish workers

• Plagues of Locusts and other insects

What was a significant result of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Faster travel across the continent

• Increased buffalo populations

• Decreased agricultural production

• A decline in the mining industry