Coast to Coast: America's First Transcontinental Railroad

The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 was a pivotal event in US history, transforming travel and economic growth. Initiated by President Lincoln's Railroad Pacific Act, it connected the East and West coasts. The construction was perilous, involving harsh conditions and conflicts with Native Americans. Chinese immigrants played a crucial role in its completion. Despite its engineering marvel, the railroad had significant human and environmental costs.

What was a major reason for the initiation of the transcontinental railroad project?

• To increase the price of travel

• To promote trending hashtags

• To reduce the cost and danger of coast-to-coast travel

• To create viral videos

What was the incentive for the railroad companies to lay more tracks?

• A chance to win a golden spike

• A reward of up to $48,000 per mile of track

• A meeting with President Lincoln

• A free trip across the country

Which group of workers was heavily relied upon by the Central Pacific Railroad due to labor shortages?

• European immigrants

• Chinese immigrants

• Native American tribes

• African American workers

What was a significant environmental impact of the railroad construction?

• Growth of new cities

• Increase in forest areas

• Decimation of the buffalo population

• Improvement in air quality

What was one of the positive outcomes of the transcontinental railroad's completion?

• Decrease in economic growth

• Reduction in Western expansion

• Increase in affordable travel

• Decline in engineering marvels