Transcontinental Railroad In Westward Expansion

During the westward expansion of the 1860’s and 1890’s geographical maps show that railroad connections played a huge role in growth. During the early 1860’s when railroad connections also known as the “Transcontinental Railroad” were in the beginning stages, states did not develop at a high rate of speed. Amplifying the railroad connections bolster the reach of products fashioned agriculturally both for the production and sale. Increasing railroad connections west of the Mississippi River also stimulated the enlargement of city populations due to agricultural advancements. Rail networks would formulate states and major cities from territories as well as creating farmlands and job opportunities. (Westward Expansion, 1860-1890) In the 1860’s railroads were in 26 territories east of the Mississippi River and only 4 territories west of the Mississippi which was Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Within the areas connected to the railroad columns 6 major cities formed east of the Mississippi and only 2 west of the Mississippi. The 6 major cities found to the east are Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Chicago, Indiana. The 2 major cities found to the west are St. Louis, …show more content…
“The first transcontinental railroad meant jobs and money. “San Francisco residents got right to business: after firing a salute, they loaded Japanese tea on a train bound for St. Louis, marking California’s first overland delivery to the East.” (Henretta, James A, pg. 467) The next few decades would show large-scale growth west of the Mississippi due to tourism and trade. With the first transcontinental railroad being completed San Francisco would place its mark on the map. “San Francisco, which in 1860 had handled $7.4 million in imports, increased that figure to $49 million over thirty years.” (Henretta, James A, pg.