America 250: Transcontinental Railroad

Built between 1863 and 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad linked the East and West, slashing cross-country travel time and driving economic growth.

The Transcontinental Railroad, originally called the Pacific Railroad, was built between 1863 and 1869 by the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. It became the first continuous rail line connecting the eastern and western United States. The line was completed on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, where the ceremonial “Golden Spike” was driven. The railroad dramatically reduced cross-country travel time, allowing passengers and goods to travel between New York and San Francisco in about a week. Thousands of Chinese immigrant laborers played a crucial role in building the western portion of the line under harsh and dangerous conditions. The railroad helped drive economic growth and accelerated settlement and expansion in the American West.