Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Transcontinental Railroad 1869 — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet|

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This passage explores the construction and impact of the Transcontinental Railroad completed in 1869, a transformative event in United States history. Students will analyze causes, motivations, and consequences, considering perspectives from railroad companies, immigrant laborers, Native Americans, and government leaders. The text models historical reasoning, includes a primary source quote, and integrates key academic vocabulary, supporting mastery of C3 Framework and Common Core standards. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, a T-Chart graphic organizer for comparing perspectives, and a timeline of major events. The passage is available with read aloud audio and a Spanish translation, making it accessible for diverse learners. This resource is ideal for building historical thinking skills while meeting standards D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, and W.4.2.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Completion of the first transcontinental railroad, Promontary Point, Utah].
Source: Library of Congress

The transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 when the Union Pacific and Central Pacific tracks joined at Promontory Summit, Utah. This historic event created a direct connection between the East and West coasts of the United States for the first time. Before this, travelers and goods had to endure long, dangerous journeys by wagon, horseback, or ship around South America. The new railroad dramatically changed the way people moved and did business across the country.

Building the railroad was extremely challenging. Workers had to cross mountains, deserts, and rivers, often in harsh weather. The Central Pacific crew, many of whom were Chinese immigrants, carved tunnels through the Sierra Nevada mountains using explosives and hand tools. The Union Pacific team, including Irish immigrants and Civil War veterans, laid tracks quickly but faced threats from difficult terrain and sometimes conflict with Native American tribes. Despite these obstacles, both groups worked tirelessly to meet in the middle.

One major reason for creating a transcontinental railroad was to encourage westward expansion and economic growth. The United States government supported the project by providing land and financial incentives to the railroad companies. As a result, new settlements sprang up along the route, and industries such as mining, agriculture, and cattle ranching began to thrive. The railroad also made it possible to transport mail, people, and goods faster and more efficiently than ever before.

However, the construction and operation of the railroad had negative consequences, especially for Native American communities. The railroad cut through their homelands, disrupted traditional ways of life, and led to conflicts over land. While the railroad brought economic opportunities for some, it also resulted in the displacement of Native Americans and the loss of wildlife and natural resources along the route.

Despite these conflicts, the completion of the transcontinental railroad was a turning point in U.S. history. It united the nation by shrinking travel time from months to days, increased migration to the West, and contributed to the rapid growth of cities and industry. The railroad symbolized progress, but it also highlighted the complex costs of technological advancement.

Interesting Fact: When the final "Golden Spike" was hammered at Promontory Summit in 1869, telegraph wires instantly sent the news across the country, making it one of the first national media events in American history.

When was the transcontinental railroad finished?

1869177618121901

Where did the two railroads meet?

Promontory Summit, UtahSacramento, CaliforniaOmaha, NebraskaDenver, Colorado

Which group helped build Central Pacific tracks?

Chinese immigrantsSpanish settlersFrench tradersMexican soldiers

How did the railroad affect Native Americans?

Lost land and resourcesStarted new businessesBecame railroad ownersMoved to cities

Why did the U.S. government support the railroad?

Encourage westward expansionStop all tradeReduce taxesBuild factories

What was one result of the railroad?

Faster travelFewer settlementsMore warsLess industry