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
