-
Proposal
Asa Whitney presented to congress that there should be a railroad that spans from the mississippi to the pacific. -
Period: to
increased support
Due to territories oregon, new mexico, arizona, and colorado. Then the discovery of gold in california. Led to increased support for the project. -
Idea of railroad
Senator stephen douglas intoduced the idea of a his Kansas Nebraska act, which was intended to win approval for the railroad. North and South problems put a delay in that. -
Congress approval for railroad.
During civil war legislature enacted a bill that was passed which let the railroads be built by two comapnies, Union and Central pacific railroad companies. -
Construction
Union pacific- east to west from Omaha, Nebraska. Cnetral- west ot east from Sacramento california. Met at Promotory Summit, utah. Golden spike joined the two railroads. -
Other Railroads
Three additional railroads were constructed. -
Other lines
A fifth line was added to the Railroad called the Great Norhtern.
