The advent of steam-powered railroads changed America’s economic and social life during the 19th century by transforming agriculture, industry, technology, transportation, and communication across the nation. By the 1890s, the United States was becoming an urban nation, and railroads supplied cities and towns with a vast majority of items. Railroads would bring economic prosperity. For example, items such as the following were being supplied: food, fuel, building materials, and access to markets. Railroads even helped shape the physical growth of cities and towns. Steam railroads made suburban living
