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Transcontinental Railroad Workers — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.16.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
W.4.2

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This history reading passage explores the vital roles of Chinese and Irish workers in building America's railroads during the late 1800s, a key period of industrial and agricultural growth in the United States. Students will learn how these brave men faced difficult conditions and worked together to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, overcoming both natural and social challenges. The passage highlights themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving, while introducing important vocabulary words and providing a chronological account of events. Students will find a glossary for key terms, a timeline of important events, and engaging activities that build comprehension and analytical skills. This resource aligns with D2.His.16.3-5, D2.His.2.3-5, RI.4.1, RI.4.3, W.4.2 standards and includes a read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation, making it an excellent tool for diverse classrooms studying the Progressive Era and U.S. industrial history.

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[Completion of the Pacific Railroad - The Ceremony at Promonotory Point, Utah, May 10, 1869. The Locomotives Jupiter of the Central Line and 119 of the Union Line Meeting at the Junction after Driving of the last Spike].
Source: Library of Congress

The Transcontinental Railroad was built to connect the east and west coasts of the United States. This huge project began in the 1860s. It changed how people and goods moved across the country. The work was very hard and dangerous. Thousands of workers, many from China and Ireland, made the railroad possible.

The Central Pacific Railroad company started building in California. Most of their workers were immigrants from China. The Union Pacific Railroad built from the east, hiring many Irish immigrants. These workers did not speak the same languages, but they shared a goal. They wanted to finish the railroad and earn money for their families.

The job was not easy. Workers had to lay tracks over deserts and through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Some days were very hot or freezing cold. The most dangerous work was blasting tunnels through solid granite mountains. Workers used only hand tools and explosives. It was slow, risky work. Many men were hurt or killed, but they kept going.

Chinese workers were known for their skill and bravery. They hung from ropes to place explosives in the cliffs. After the blast, workers had to clear away heavy rocks. Irish workers also faced danger. They worked long hours laying tracks across open plains. Both groups helped solve problems, like building bridges over rivers and using new machines to speed up work.

Life was hard for the workers. They lived in simple camps far from home. Food was plain, and there was little rest. Still, the workers showed unity. They helped each other and found ways to celebrate their cultures. Over time, the railroad grew longer each day. On May 10, 1869, the two railroads met at Promontory, Utah. A golden spike was hammered in to join the tracks. The nation celebrated this great achievement.

The Transcontinental Railroad changed America. It made travel faster and helped towns and businesses grow. The bravery and teamwork of Chinese and Irish workers helped shape the country.

Interesting Fact: More than 10,000 Chinese immigrants worked on the railroad—making up over 80% of the Central Pacific’s workforce!

What did the Transcontinental Railroad connect?

East and west coastsNorth and south statesOnly CaliforniaOnly New York

Which group made up most workers in California?

Chinese immigrantsGerman immigrantsMexican immigrantsFrench immigrants

When did the railroads meet in Utah?

May 10, 1869July 4, 1776December 25, 1800January 1, 1900

Why was blasting tunnels dangerous?

Risky explosives and falling rocksToo much rainNot enough foodWild animals

What is granite?

A very hard rockA type of foodA trainA river

How did workers show unity?