jan 1, 1850 - Beginning of the Railroad Era

Description:

As the 1800s went on, it became increasingly clear that more transportation would be needed to fuel America's rapid industrialization. This era was characterized by extending many short railways into longer ones that could connect cities, as well as transcontinental railroads, such as the one contested in the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The railroad era opened up further Western expansion, stimulated town/city development, and created new economic opportunities. This would lead to

Added to timeline:

Date: