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Transatlantic Railroad
The Transatlantic Railroad created the great opportunity for expansion in the West. Farmers and settlers were able to get supplies, cattle, and travel to different territories as needed with this train. Reverend Dr. Vinton went as far as to say that this new accomplishment was a "blessing" and of "greater importance", and that "it will preserve the union of these great States". -
The Lightening Route
Following industrialization after the war, many immigrants (whether stateside or international) began to congregate in the cities as the vast majority of jobs were available at factories. Transportation for these workers was not easy, until the invention of light rail. Alabama established the first light rail system nicknamed "The Lightening Route". Light rail revolutionized the way that interurban residents commuted to work, and it became integral to their daily transportation needs. -
Duryea Motor Wagon Company
A company out of Massachusetts, The Duryea Motor Wagon Company, was the first company to create a gasoline powered vehicle. This company was founded by two brothers, Charles and Frank. Their innovative creation was groundbreaking for the future of automobiles, however did not change much for the public. There were not a large amount of these automobiles being produced, and they were rather expensive which made them unattainable for a large majority of the population. -
Tremont Street Subway
The Tremont Street Subway was the first underground rail system, which paved the way for its eventual underground subway system. Boston had discovered this idea as a means to get the street cars off of the busy city streets. They thought that it may be easier to have these streetcars managed on their own tracks, and that they may be more efficient for the riders. This would eventually become Boston's underground subway system. -
Henry Ford's assembly line
Henry Ford revolutionized transportation during this time due to creation of the first assembly line that allowed him to mass produce automobiles. Increased supply of these vehicles allowed for more affordable prices. Personal transportation allowed individual freedom for interurban citizens who had always been very reliant on public transportation. -
Federal Highway Act
The Federal Highway Act was proposed by Senator Phipps of Colorado after he realized the need for some sort of national organized highway system. This was a results of automobiles becoming more standard possessions within a family unit. Roads connecting counties, cities, states, etc. were either non-existent or very unorganized and inefficient. The Federal Highway Act had a main goal of providing more financial support to build its highway system over the next few years. -
First non-stop flight from NYC to Paris
Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly nonstop from New York City to Paris in 1927. This flight paved the way for the future of commercial air transport. It was not long after this that multiple air lines were flying nonstop from NYC to Paris many times per day. Lindbergh replaced the fear of a flight that distance with confidence in their current flight technology. This was a completely new way of travel that provided convenience, and new possibilities for citizens.
