What is the historical significance of the first transcontinental railroad? What was the purpose for building the transcontinental railroad?
“16. That a railroad to the Pacific ocean is imperatively demanded by the interests of the whole country; that the Federal Government ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction …” Republican Party Platform 1860 “4. Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age, in a military, commercial, and postal point of view, is speedy communications between the Atlantic and Pacific States; and the Democratic party pledge such Constitutional Government aid as will insure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast, at the earliest practicable period.” Democratic Party Platform 1860 “… completing the transcontinental railroad … did usher in the golden age of the nation’s railroads, which enjoyed a near monopoly on moving freight and passengers for many decades, and connected every town and city in the country. Today, even with competition from cars, trucks, airlines and pipelines, U.S. railroads carry more than 23 million passengers a year and move nearly 1.8 bi
