Pacific Railway Act of 1862 Flashcards
1
Q
Purpose?
A
Connecting the East Coast to the West Coast in order to transport goods and people cheaply and quickly. Also to secure and monetize the western territories for the US
2
Q
What did this act give?
A
Granted 2 companies: Union Pacific and Central Pacific 6,000 acres to build a transcontinental railroad
3
Q
Why was it a risk?
A
extremely expensive, required new technology and engineering, and didn’t know if it was worth building through massive stretches of unpopulated areas without any customers
4
Q
What did Lincoln do for it?
A
He signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 in May
5
Q
Why was this good?
A
It also worked to set the US up technologically ahead of other countries as a world power
6
Q
When was it passed?
A
May, 1862
