2. The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

3. Railroads became an important part of the American economy beginning in the 1850’s.

4. .. x Omaha, Nebraska Sacramento, California Promontory Point, Utah Union Pacific Railroad Central Pacific Railroad · In 1863, two companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, began building the first transcontinental railroad. JjJj Why did n’t they start on the East Coast?

5. · Labor was scarce due to the hard, dangerous work and low pay. · Therefore, _____________ labor was used. Union Pacific - hired many Irish immigrants Central Pacific - approximately 90% of their workforce were Chinese immigrants

6. Chinese railroad workers perform their duties in the snow. · The workers endured scorching deserts, blinding snowstorms, and blasted through mountains.

7. Promontory Point, UT (May 10, 1869)

8. Teach your neighbor who mainly built the: Central Pacific Railroad Union Pacific Railroad What were the hardships they faced?

9. Effect of the Railroads: Quick and easy travel to the West Before the railroad....Pioneers had to travel mostly by _______________. The railroad turned a 6 month journey into a maximum of ___________

10. The Impact of the Railroads My train leaves at 4 pm. It takes 3 hours to get to Knoxville. So…hmm…I will arrive at 7? I forgot to wind my watch…and now I’ve missed my train.

11. Railroad Construction 4 minutes per line of longitude.=How many lines to equal 1 hr.

12. The Impact of the Railroads In 1864, George Pullman designed a railroad sleeping car. Now people can travel for work and for pleasure.

13. The Impact of the Railroads In 1869, George Westinghouse helped make railway travel safer and faster with the invention of a new air brake.

14. The Impact of the Railroads Railroad lines also added dining cars where porters, conductors and waiters attended the needs of passengers.

15. With your partner, list three impacts the railroad could have on the economy.

16. Economic Growth 1.Steel/Iron-Tracks 2.Lumber-Railroad Ties 3.Coal-Fuel for engines 4.Working on the Trains 5.Towns-Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions

17. Teach your neighbor 3 advantages the transcontinental railroad brought to America.