AP®HistoryCollege BoardUS HistoryStudy GuidesPeriod 6: 1865-1898Westward Expansion: Economic DevelopmentRailroads Contribute to the Growth of the Nation

Railroads Contribute to the Growth of the Nation (College Board AP® US History): Study Guide

Barbara Keese

Written by: Barbara Keese

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

The Transcontinental Railroad

Pacific Railway Act of 1862

  • The Pacific Railway Act authorized the construction of a transcontinental railroad

    • This would create a direct connection across the country to stimulate economic growth

  • The federal government supplied financial assistance in the forms of funds and land grants to railroad companies to encourage the project

  • Construction and key players included:

    • Union Pacific Railroad

      • Starting at Omaha, Nebraska 

      • Worked westward

      • The workforce consisted of Irish, German, and Italian immigrants

    • Central Pacific Railroad 

      • Starting at Sacramento, California

      • Worked eastward

      • The workforce consisted of immigrants from China, who faced harsh working conditions and discrimination

  • To complete the transcontinental railroad, the two railroads met at Promontory Point, Utah in May 1869

    • The final connection was symbolized by a golden spike, marking the completion

  • The transcontinental railroad set a precedent for future infrastructure development

  • More transcontinental railroads would be built in the coming decades, further enhancing connectivity and national economic growth

Map showing the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railways, meeting at Promontory Summit, with existing rail networks marked in the eastern US.
Transcontinental Railroad

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Barbara Keese

    Author: Barbara Keese

    Expertise: History Content Creator

    Barbara is an experienced educator with over 30 years teaching AP US History, AP Human Geography, and American History to grades 6–11 in Texas. She has developed teacher training, authored curricula, and reviewed textbooks to align with educational standards. Barbara has also served on Texas’ textbook adoption committee and the Round Rock History Preservation Commission, contributing to history education beyond the classroom. She holds a Master’s in Curriculum Development and certifications in History and Gifted/Talented Education. In her free time, she enjoys historical fiction and quilting blankets for veterans.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.