Top 100 Building Event
1861-1877
1861-1877
Civil War and Reconstruction Era
Top 100 Building Event
What Americans Were Trying To Do
Connect the country, speed movement, support settlement, and strengthen national markets.
What Happened
Federal railroad policy used land grants, bonds, and charters to support construction of transcontinental rail lines. The first line was completed at Promontory Summit in 1869.
How Public Finance Made It Possible
Public finance helped turn a continental geography into a connected national economy.
What This EnabledPassengersshipperssettlersbusinesses gained faster coast-to-coast movement
How Americans BenefitedPassengersshipperssettlersbusinesses gained faster coast-to-coast movement
Anchor Events
Defining Moments
