may 10, 1869 - Opening of the Transcontinental Railroad

Description:

The transcontinental railroad, under construction for years and planned for decades prior to its opening, was the bridge between two established railroads stemming from the east and west coasts. However, of particular interest and concern was where to construct the railroad's final eastern terminus; during planning stages, sectionalism mounted as northerners favored Chicago while southerners lobbied for Memphis, St. Louis and New Orleans.