Transcontinental Railroad History

The lecture covers the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad, focusing on the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads. It discusses the challenges faced by each company, including geographical obstacles and workforce issues. The Union Pacific Railroad, starting in Omaha, Nebraska, primarily employed Irish workers and faced conflicts with Native Americans. The Central Pacific Railroad, beginning in Sacramento, California, employed Chinese immigrants and dealt with the Sierra Nevada mountains. The lecture concludes with the completion of the railroad at Promontory Point, Utah, marked by the Golden Spike ceremony.

What was the primary purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• To provide jobs for immigrants

• To transport gold from California

• To connect the East and West coasts of the United States

• To serve as a tourist attraction

Which city did the Union Pacific Railroad start from?

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Omaha, Nebraska

• Sacramento, California

• Denver, Colorado

What was a major challenge faced by the Union Pacific Railroad?

• Shortage of workers

• Dealing with Native American attacks

• Crossing the Rocky Mountains

• Lack of funding

Who primarily made up the workforce of the Union Pacific Railroad?

• Mexican laborers

• African American slaves

• Irish workers

• Chinese immigrants

Where did the Central Pacific Railroad begin its construction?

• Omaha, Nebraska

• San Francisco, California

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Sacramento, California

What was a significant challenge for the Central Pacific Railroad?

• Crossing the Great Plains

• Shortage of steel

• Navigating the Sierra Nevada mountains

• Dealing with harsh weather conditions

Which group primarily worked on the Central Pacific Railroad?

• Italian immigrants

• Native Americans

• Chinese immigrants

• Irish workers

Where did the two railroads meet to complete the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Sacramento, California

• Omaha, Nebraska

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Promontory Point, Utah

What was the final spike driven into the Transcontinental Railroad made of?

• Iron

• Silver

• Gold

• Bronze

Who ultimately drove the last spike into the Transcontinental Railroad?

• The governor of California

• A railroad company owner

• A lowly railroad worker

• A Chinese immigrant