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Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Westward Expansion, 1860 1890

For Students 9th - 10th
In this interactive map, explore several ways in which the United States experienced substantial growth between the years 1860-1890.
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Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Industrial Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
The first three pages of this extensive essay on the railroad in United States history focuses on the early railroad and the Industrial Revolution in the United States.
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Our Story: All Aboard the Train!

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Activities and resources, built around a reading of Jingle the Brass by Patricia Newman, for teaching young learners about the importance of railroads in American history.
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Website
University of Alberta

University of Alberta: World War I and the Consolidation of Rail Line in Canada

For Students 9th - 10th
During World War l, 300 miles of rail and other track materials were taken in response by the British Government for rails to be used for military purposes in France. This brief account includes pictures and primary documents.
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Handout
State Library of North Carolina

N Cpedia: Transportation Improvements in the 1920s

For Students 9th - 10th
When World War I ended in 1918 and the troops came home, folks felt optimistic about the future and eager to get on with their lives. This optimism led to an extraordinary decade that brought major changes in the way citizens traveled by...
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Primary
Other

Images of the Civil War: Railroads

For Students 9th - 10th
This TreasureNet.com site has many pictures of railroads and locomotives and includes descriptions of the pictures.
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Handout
Other

Psmre: The Northern Pacific Railway

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers provides information about the history of the Northern Pacific Railway. The route follows the path Lewis and Clark took in 1804. Mentions cost, manpower, and other railroad companies.
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Website
Other

Kansas Collection Articles: Orphan Trains of Kansas

For Students 9th - 10th
This site, presented by The Kansas Collection, provides insight into the westward expansion of orphan children from New York City. The page houses links to stories, newspaper articles, history, and graphics associated with the Orphan...
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Website
Other

Mohave Museum of History and Arts

For Students 9th - 10th
The history of Northwest Arizona in words and photographs. Check out this site!
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Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: Transportation

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The New York Times Learning Network has developed interactive & printable crossword puzzles. The theme of this one is Transportation.
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Graphic
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hazardous Business: Line and Lands of the Texas & Pacific Railway, 1873

For Students 9th - 10th
Here's a map showing the Texas & Pacific Railway. Click on link to get larger version which shows the route across Texas as well as an inset which shows how the railway connected to other railroads in the U.S.
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Handout
Britain Express

Britain Express: Richard Trevithick Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
This site by Britain Express gives a biography of inventor Richard Trevithink (1771-1833 CE).
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Handout
Britain Express

Britain Express: George Stephenson Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Britain Express provides a biography of George Stephenson (1781-1848 CE), inventor of the the railway system in Europe.
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Handout
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: 19th Century Railways: Export of Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
This website from the Fordham University provides information about the expansion of the rail system in European countries between 1840 and 1900. Presents graphs to present the information.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Where's Everyone Going?

For Students 9th - 10th
A great resource from the National Museum of American History that shows various modes and uses of transportation in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: American Historama: Railroads in the 1800s

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Learn details of the fascinating history of the early American railroads in the 1800s including their invention, their expansion, significance, and their impact on the transportation system of America.