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Transcontinental Railroad Completed
In a ceremony at Promontory Point Utah, Southern Pacific Railroad President Leland Stanford drove the golden spike to complete the Transcontinental Railroad. Over the next few decades railroad track expanded by a factor of five in the United States, from 35,000 miles to over 200,000 miles. This opened the way for safe, predictable, efficient transportation of people and cargo throughout the United States. -
Electric Trolley
Richmond, Virginia became the first American city with an electric trolley transportation system. Designed by Frank J. Sprague, the innovation changed how cities could be developed by concentrating greater commercial activity in the center. Workers and visitors could access the city center via safe, clean mass transit while living in more pleasant suburban homes outside the metropolitan core. Over time interurban electric rail enabled inexpensive intercity travel. -
The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887
It was the first legislation of its kind, regulating rates set by railroad companies. It included provisions against differential rates for different customers, different cargo or different regions. The Act required “just and fair” rates for shipping goods by rail, and it established the Interstate Commerce Commission to implement it. The Act ensured access to travel and shipping by railroad for everyone, and it served as a model for subsequent regulatory efforts. -
First Powered Flight
On December 17, 1903 Dayton, Ohio inventors Orville and Wibur Wright achieved the first powered flight on the sand dunes near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This feat proved the possibility of human air travel. It inspired the development of military and commercial aviation, reducing to hours travel that had until then taken weeks or months. -
The Office of Public Roads
The Office of Public Roads was established in 1905 as a permanent federal office to administer the government efforts to build and maintain roads. The primary purpose of the office was to provide federal aid to road building projects granted by federal legislation in collaboration with states. The offices of the Postmaster General and the Secretary of Agriculture benefited from the establishment of this office, as did the increasing number of Americans who drove private automobiles. -
The Ford Model T
The first Ford Model T was produced on October 1, 1908. Over the course of the next twenty years fifteen million Model T’s would be sold for as little as $250. Financing terms were generous, enabling working families to own and travel in their own automobile. The success of the Model T required more and better roadways, as well as additional transportation regulations. -
The Air Commerce Act of 1926
The Air Commerce Act of 1926 established the Aeronautics Branch within the Department of Commerce. The office was charged with providing federal regulation of and oversight for numerous aspects of air travel, including aircraft, pilots, air traffic control, navigation and commerce. This federal assumption of authority over the aeronautical industry enabled the development of safe and efficient air travel on a scale that would make it cost effective for ordinary Americans. -
First Commercial Air Passenger
Although paying customers traveled on “flying boats” as early as 1914, Western Airlines claims to be the first commercial air carrier. The airline took Mr. Ben Rednam, seated on sacks of United States Mail, from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Los Angeles, California. This feat was made possible by the efforts of the federal government to development air capabilities for mail delivery. It paved the way for commercial passenger air travel throughout the United States and the world.
