What resources were needed to build the transcontinental railroad?
The charters awarded to the railroads provided rights of way and use of stone and timber to build the roadbed, and granted 6,400 acres of land for each mile of railroad built.
What was the need for the transcontinental railroad?
Connecting the two American coasts made the economic export of Western resources to Eastern markets easier than ever before. The railroad also facilitated westward expansion, escalating conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers who now had easier access to new territories.
What was the transcontinental railroad built with?
It authorized creation of two companies, the Central Pacific in the west and the Union Pacific in the mid-west, to build the railroad. The legislation called for building and operating a new railroad from the Missouri River at Council Bluffs, Iowa, west to Sacramento, California, and on to San Francisco Bay.
How much money did it take to build the transcontinental railroad?
One estimate places the cost of the Central Pacific at about $36 million, another at $51.5 million. Oakes Ames testified that the Union Pacific cost about $60 million to build.
Who was the company that built the transcontinental railroad?
The railroad was built by several companies including the Western Pacific Railway Company, the Central Pacific Railway Company of California, and the Union Pacific Railroad Company.
Why was it dangerous to build the transcontinental railroad?
Diseases were widespread because of the interactions during the railroad building, and the building process itself was dangerous to the health of laborers. A large number of buffalo were killed during the building process as a result of sporting activities. Why Was The Transcontinental Railroad Built?
When were railroads made in United States?
Construction of the first ever transcontinental railroad began in the United States in 1863 and was completed in May 1869. The idea of building the transcontinental railroad was presented to Congress by Asa Whitney in 1845.
What kind of material was the Central Pacific Railroad made out of?
Tunnels in rock should be made for double track, but this provision was never enforced. Culverts were to be of stone or brick, but could be made of wood and replaced later with permanent materials. Bridges were to be built of stone, iron, or wood, at the discretion of the railroad company.