Importance of Railroads
Question: Why was the Homestead Act good for immigrants & Citizens
They were able to acquire land much easier and cheaper
How did they transport mail around the West before the Transcontinental Railroad?
The Pony Express
Who were Exodusters?
African Americans
What name was given to the collection of manipulative businesses?
“Hell on Wheels”
Who granted railroad companies millions of acres of land to build on?
The Federal Government
Question: What years did they create the Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act (Hint it was the same year for both).
1862
How long did it take telegraphs to send messages?
Minutes
Why did Exodusters come to the West?
To find new opportunities and escape discrimination.
What demographic of people did the businesses usually target?
Young men who worked on the railroad
What three things tended to grow alongside railroads due to railroad companies selling unused land?
Farms, Businesses, & Towns
How did the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 contribute to the growth of farms, businesses, and towns in the West?
The transcontinental railroad reduced travel time and costs, encouraging people to settle in the West.
In what way did the Homestead Act and railroad land sales promote western settlement and development?
The Homestead Act and railroad land sales made it easier for settlers to purchase cheap land, allowing them to establish farms and homesteads.