The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad: 1863-1869

Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869

by Stephen E. Ambrose

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	81348 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	432 pages

FREE

The transcontinental railroad was a major technological achievement that helped to open up the western United States to settlement and economic development. The railroad was built between 1863 and 1869 by two private companies, the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The Central Pacific Railroad began construction in Sacramento, California, and worked its way eastward. The Union Pacific Railroad began construction in Omaha, Nebraska, and worked its way westward. The two companies raced to meet in the middle, and they finally joined their tracks at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869.

The transcontinental railroad was built by a diverse group of workers, including Chinese immigrants, Irish immigrants, and freed slaves. The workers faced many challenges, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and hostile Native Americans. They also worked long hours for low pay.

Despite the challenges, the railroad was completed in 1869, and it had a profound impact on the United States. The railroad helped to create a single national market, and it made it possible to transport goods and people across the country more quickly and cheaply. The railroad also helped to spur the growth of the western United States.

## The Chinese Immigrants

The Chinese immigrants who worked on the transcontinental railroad were a major part of the workforce. They were recruited from China by the Central Pacific Railroad, and they made up about 90% of the company's workforce. The Chinese workers were paid less than white workers, and they often worked in dangerous conditions.

Despite the challenges, the Chinese workers played a vital role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. They were known for their hard work and determination, and they helped to complete the railroad on time.

## The Irish Immigrants

The Irish immigrants who worked on the transcontinental railroad were another major part of the workforce. They were recruited from Ireland by the Union Pacific Railroad, and they made up about 50% of the company's workforce. The Irish workers were paid less than white workers, and they often worked in dangerous conditions.

Despite the challenges, the Irish workers played a vital role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. They were known for their hard work and determination, and they helped to complete the railroad on time.

## The Freed Slaves

The freed slaves who worked on the transcontinental railroad were a small part of the workforce. They were recruited from the Southern United States by both the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad. The freed slaves were paid less than white workers, and they often worked in dangerous conditions.

Despite the challenges, the freed slaves played a vital role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. They were known for their hard work and determination, and they helped to complete the railroad on time.

## The Challenges

The workers who built the transcontinental railroad faced many challenges. The weather was often harsh, and the terrain was difficult. The workers also had to deal with hostile Native Americans. In addition, the workers were often paid less than white workers, and they often worked in dangerous conditions.

Despite the challenges, the workers persevered and completed the transcontinental railroad in 1869. The railroad was a major technological achievement, and it had a profound impact on the United States.

## The Impact

The transcontinental railroad had a profound impact on the United States. The railroad helped to create a single national market, and it made it possible to transport goods and people across the country more quickly and cheaply. The railroad also helped to spur the growth of the western United States.

The transcontinental railroad is a testament to the hard work and determination of the men who built it. The railroad is a symbol of the American spirit, and it continues to play an important role in the transportation of goods and people across the United States.

Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869

by Stephen E. Ambrose

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	81348 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	432 pages

FREE