1. Chapter 5.2 The Railroads

2. 1862- Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act. Connected Sacramento, California to Omaha, Nebraska The Union railroad started in Omaha and went west The Central Pacific railroad started in Sacramento and went east

3. Chapter 5.2 The Railroads By railroads connecting the East with the West, new markets were opened. The railroad also created four time zones, to keep schedules With the airbrake, train could travel farther faster and with heavier loads.

4. Chapter 5.2 The Railroads “land grants”- land given to railroads to help them pay for the costs of construction There was more money to be made in land grants than operating a railroad. Credit Mobilier scandal: owners of the Union Pacific owned the Credit Mobilier construction company.

5. Chapter 5.2 The Railroads Great Northern Railroad Did not use grants from the government Carefully planned route by established towns Offered low fares to settlers Sent items west needed in China Sent items east needed in New England