The Incredible Undertaking Of Building The Transcontinental Railroad

October 16, 2021

The building of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 19th century linked America’s coasts, providing a transportation network that helped fuel many of the country’s industries. Prior to the transcontinental rail system, traversing the country took six months by ship around the tip of South America. It was either that or risk yellow fever and other diseases by crossing the Isthmus of Panama.

A group of laborers at work in Utah. (UniversityofUtah/MountainWestDigitalLibrary)

Very few chose the overland route crossing the dangerous mountains, plains, and rivers, not to mention bandits or rightfully vengeful Native American Indians. The monumental undertaking required two railroad companies and seven years to link the extensive east coast railway system with the wild wild west.

An Idea Years In The Making

The Transcontinental Railroad represented the foundation of America's rapid growth in early 20th century.

In 1845 Asa Whitney first proposed the concept of a Transcontinental Railroad to Congress. Unfortunately, warring factions within Congress put an end to the idea. It wasn’t until 1860 when Theodore Judah mobilized a group of investors to form the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Crucially, he also identified Donner Pass in northern California as an ideal location to cross the imposing Sierra Nevada mountains.