Railroad Development in Texas

In the 1800s, Texans eagerly awaited railroads to improve travel. Initial attempts in the 1830s failed, but by 1851, construction began, and by 1865, 500 miles of track connected key cities. This spurred population growth, with towns like Dallas and Austin expanding rapidly. In 1876, the state offered land incentives, leading to 2,500 miles of track by 1879. By 1900, Texas had nearly 10,000 miles of track. However, railroads negatively impacted Native Americans and the environment, as tracks crossed their lands and buffalo were slaughtered.

What was the primary reason Texas residents were eager for railroads in the 1800s?

• To increase land value

• To make travel easier and faster

• To improve trade with neighboring states

• To connect with the national railway system

By 1865, how many miles of railroad track had been built in Texas?

• 500 miles

• 2,000 miles

• 1,000 miles

• 200 miles

Which city experienced a population boom from 800 to over 7,000 people by 1873 due to the railroads?

• Houston

• Austin

• Dallas

• Galveston

What incentive did the Texas state government offer to railroad companies in 1876?

• Land grants

• Exclusive trade rights

• Tax breaks

• Financial subsidies

By 1879, how many miles of railroad track existed in Texas?

• 7,500 miles

• 2,500 miles

• 1,000 miles

• 5,000 miles

Which new town emerged along the railroad routes as they expanded westward?

• Fort Worth

• Abilene

• El Paso

• San Antonio

What was the purpose of the special committee created in 1891?

• To ensure fair treatment of customers

• To promote tourism

• To regulate railroad fares

• To expand railroad networks

By 1900, how many miles of railroad track were there in Texas?

• 5,000 miles

• 12,500 miles

• 10,000 miles

• 7,500 miles

How did the expansion of railroads negatively impact Native American communities?

• Cultural assimilation

• Forced relocation

• Loss of land and resources

• Increased taxes

What environmental impact did the railroad companies have during their expansion?

• Air pollution

• Buffalo slaughter

• Water pollution

• Deforestation