6) Railroads Flashcards
What methods of transport were there before the railroads?
Paddle steamers which were used to carry heavy goods via rivers, wagons and stage Coaches, pony express, 1861 telegraphs
Why did the government want railroads
- to populate the west and fulfil manifest destiny
- to benefit from the gold rush (tax)
- increase trade to China and India
- there was a lack of law and order in the west
Where and when did the railroad begin?
In Sacramento, 1863
How many miles did they have to build before they got financed by the government?
40 miles
What problem did they face?
The 14,000ft Sierra Nevada
Who was the greatest railroad engineer in the USA
Theodore Juda
How many bridges and tunnels were needed through the Sierra Nevada?
50 bridges and 15 tunnels
Who led the work force
James Harvey Strowbridge
Why did Strowbridge lose a lot of workers?
They wanted to be mining gold
Who replaced the workers?
Chinese labourers
When were the first 40 miles completed
1865
In 1865, where did another railroad set to meet them begin?
Omaha in the east (set to meet in 1866)
Who was in charge of the eastern railroad?
Grenville Doge
What did they get for every mile laid?
A lot of money and 12 acres of land (which they could sell for more money)
When did the eastern team complete the first 40 miles
1 month after beginning
Why was there a lot of violence in the east?
Drinking, gambling and women
What was a new explosive tested in the west?
nitro-glycerine
Who was a big problem in the east
The Indians, mainly the Sioux and the Cheyenne
When was the plum creek massacre
1867
Who was sent to fight the natives
William Sherman
What new inventions allowed advancements
Pilot wheels- turn sharp corners in mountains
Tressle bridges- go across gorges
What happened that hindered the east?
The railway company was committing fraud
When was the railroad completed
10th may 1869
How long does the journey across the plains take now?
7 days not 6 months
