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Building the Transcontinental Railroad — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.16.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging history reading passage explores the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, a major achievement in U.S. history that connected the East and West coasts during the late 1800s. Students will learn about why the railroad was built, who worked on it, the challenges faced by workers, and the lasting impact it had on the nation's growth and unity. Key vocabulary words are highlighted and defined in the glossary, supporting literacy development. The passage follows a clear, chronological structure, making it easy for students to follow the major events and understand their historical significance. Included are multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, a timeline of events, and a graphic organizer to support deeper comprehension and analysis. The passage aligns with C3 Framework D2.His.2.3-5 and D2.His.16.3-5 and Common Core RI.4.3 and RI.4.4 standards. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are also provided, making this resource accessible for all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Central Pacific Transcontinental Railroad, Tunnel No. 3, Milepost 180.65, Cisco, Placer County, CA.
Source: Library of Congress - Historic American Engineering Record

The Transcontinental Railroad was one of the most important projects in American history. It connected California to the eastern United States in 1869. Before the railroad, people traveled across the country in wagons or on horseback. The journey was long and dangerous. It could take more than six months to cross from one side of the country to the other.

Building the railroad was a huge job. The United States government wanted to unite the country and help people move more easily. Two companies began building tracks from opposite sides. The Central Pacific started in California and built east. The Union Pacific started in Nebraska and built west. Workers from many backgrounds, including Chinese immigrants and Irish laborers, helped lay the tracks and build bridges. They worked through harsh weather, high mountains, and wide deserts.

Each day, workers used hammers and spikes to connect the rails. They blasted tunnels through mountains and built wooden bridges over rivers. It was hard, dangerous work. Many workers faced tough conditions and low pay, but they kept going. Their teamwork was important for finishing the railroad.

On May 10, 1869, the two rail lines met at Promontory Summit in Utah. A special golden spike was hammered into the last rail. This moment was celebrated across the country. Now, trains could travel from coast to coast in about one week. This was a huge change. Goods, people, and mail could move faster than ever before.

The Transcontinental Railroad helped towns and cities grow. It encouraged people to settle in the West. Farmers, shop owners, and families moved along the rail lines to start new lives. The railroad also helped businesses send products all over the nation. This brought the country closer together and made the United States stronger.

The railroad’s success showed that people working together could solve big problems. It was a symbol of progress and unity for the country.

Interesting Fact: The final golden spike that joined the tracks was made of real gold and became a famous symbol of the Transcontinental Railroad.

When was the Transcontinental Railroad finished?

1869184919001776

Where did the two rail lines meet?

Promontory SummitSacramentoOmahaChicago

What was hammered into the last rail?

Golden spikeSilver hammerWooden boardIron bar

Why did people want the railroad?

Travel was slow and dangerousTo build more wagonsTo find goldTo make new laws

How did the railroad change the country?

Made travel fasterMade food cheaperStopped westward expansionDestroyed all towns

Who helped build the railroad?

Chinese and Irish workersOnly local farmersOnly government officialsOnly children