Building the Transcontinental Railroad — Reading Comprehension

The Transcontinental Railroad was one of the biggest projects in United States history. By the late 1800s, travel between the East and West coasts was slow and dangerous. People wanted a faster and safer way to move across the country. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law to build a railroad that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Two companies built the railroad. The Union Pacific started in Nebraska and built west. The Central Pacific started in California and built east. Workers from many backgrounds joined the project. Many were immigrants from China and Ireland. African American and Mexican workers also helped. The work was hard and often dangerous. Workers laid tracks across mountains, deserts, and rivers. They used dynamite to break through rocks. Winters were very cold. Summers were very hot. Some workers faced accidents and sickness, but they kept going.

The railroad brought big changes. Towns grew along the tracks. People and goods could travel much faster. The country became more united. The government gave land and money to help the companies finish the railroad. On May 10, 1869, the two tracks finally met at Promontory, Utah. A golden spike was hammered into the ground. This event became known as the "Golden Spike Ceremony." A witness said, "The last rail is laid! The last spike driven!"

The Transcontinental Railroad helped farms and businesses grow. It made travel easier for everyone. People could send letters and supplies much faster. The project showed bravery and teamwork. Many workers were proud of what they built.

Immigrant workers faced unfair treatment. They often earned less money than others. But their work was important to the project. Today, we remember the bravery of all the workers.

Technology like the steam locomotive made the railroad possible. This new machine turned coal into power. It pulled heavy train cars across long distances.

Interesting Fact: The journey across the country, which once took months, could now be done in just one week by train!

Who signed the law to build the railroad?

Where did the Golden Spike Ceremony happen?

Which group helped build the railroad?

Why was the railroad important?

What did workers use to break rocks?

What effect did the railroad have?

The railroad made travel across the country possible in a week.

What does 'immigrant' mean?