Railroads in Texas

What was a major transportation problem in Texas before railroads?

• Lack of roads

• Rivers not deep enough for large ships

• Too many bridges

• Overcrowded highways

Who worked on building Texas railroads?

• The US Army

• Chinese immigrants and prisoners

• European settlers

• Native American tribes

Why were railroads important to the cattle industry in Texas?

• They provided water for cattle

• They allowed cattle to be loaded on trains

• They offered shelter for cattle

• They fed cattle during transport

What did the Plains tribes want to do regarding the railroads?

• Support them

• Stop them being built

• Build more railroads

• Use them for trade

Many towns grew around the railroad stops.

• True

• False

What industries did trains support in Texas?

• Technology and finance

• Farming and Ranching

• Fishing and tourism

• Mining and forestry

What did railroads allow goods from Texas to do?

• Move overseas

• Transport to markets all over the country

• Be stored in warehouses

• Be sold only locally

Which of the following was the main reason the Texas Railroad Commission was created in 1890?

• To build new railroad tracks across West Texas

• To regulate railroad rates and prevent unfair practices

• To manage cattle drives on major trails

• To oversee oil drilling operations in Texas

What was a challenge faced by railroad workers in Texas?

• Lack of materials

• Attacks by Native American tribes

• Extreme cold weather

• Lack of food

What was the impact of railroads on businesses in Texas?

• Businesses closed down

• More businesses prospered

• Businesses moved out of Texas

• Businesses became less profitable