Transportation and Communication
The Pony Express was formed in 1860 to assist communication between the Eastern U.S. and the Western U.S. Messages were received and given by people riding horses on a 2,000 mile path. Stations were set up along this path. This system was eventually abondoned when telegraphs were created; the telegraph lines did the job of carrying messages much quicker.
Many wanted the constuction of a transcontinental railroad to begin so that communication across the nation would expand and the East and West would connect.
Many wanted the constuction of a transcontinental railroad to begin so that communication across the nation would expand and the East and West would connect.
Pony Express Route
Key People, Places, Legislation, and Challenges
Effects
The effects of the Transcontinental Railroad were very helpful. The economy improved and the population enlarged greatly. The railroads hauled products and people in a short amount of time. By wagon, journeys took much longer. Many puchased land began to migrate West. With goods being shipped to different locations by railroad, the East and West were both able to swap products. Businnesses also profitted, becuse their merchandise was being sold in all parts of the country.
Investing in railroads was not always a smart idea. Jay Cooke's bank failed, as well as all of the money with him. This mistake aided in the beginning of the Panic of 1873, a major economic downturn. Although many railroads began to fall into debt in the 1800s, they continued growing until 199,000 miles of tracks were laid and running.
Investing in railroads was not always a smart idea. Jay Cooke's bank failed, as well as all of the money with him. This mistake aided in the beginning of the Panic of 1873, a major economic downturn. Although many railroads began to fall into debt in the 1800s, they continued growing until 199,000 miles of tracks were laid and running.