University of Nebraska
U. Of Nebraska: Railroads and the Making of Modern America: Tourism and Mobility
Primary source materials that focus on how the railroads facilitated travel and tourism in America in the mid-1800s. Includes railroad timetables, anecdotal accounts, traveler advice, charts, illustrations, and lots more.
University of Nebraska
U of Nebraska: Railroads and Making of Modern America: Representing the Railroad
A primary source collection of artworks, photographs, and illustrations of the railroads in the 19th century that represent different perspectives.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: American Economic Growth 1820 1860
Article outlines the boom in early American economic growth as a result of Northern industry in manufacturing, steam power, transportation and the role of government between 1820 and 1860.
![Virginia History Series: Railroad Building in Virginia (1827 1860) [Pdf] PPT](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Virginia History Series: Railroad Building in Virginia (1827 1860) [Pdf] PPT")
Virginia History Series
Virginia History Series: Railroad Building in Virginia (1827 1860) [Pdf]
All aboard this slideshow on the building of railroads in Virginia. Study maps, charts and pictures of the major railways in Virginia and their impact on the economy. Be sure to take the quiz over the steam locomotive at the end!
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Power: Taming the Octopus: The Octopus in the West
A reading guide and discussion questions for Frank Norris' novel, "The Octopus," which outlines the unbridled power of the American railroads.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: Advanced Technology
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the debate over the construction of railroads, the competition between canals and railroads, and the companies that were building rail...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hazardous Business: The Railroads Come to Texas
What made transportation in early Texas so difficult? What were the road conditions like? This article talks about land and water transportation in Texas in the years leading up to and after the Civil War. Also, check out photos and...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Railroads Come to Texas: Land/water Transportation in Early Texas
What made transportation in early Texas so difficult? What were the road conditions like? This article talks about land and water transportation in Texas in the years leading up to and after the Civil War. Also, check out photos and...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Early American Railroads
Read about the growth of railroads throughout the eastern part of the United States, which greatly reduced transportation costs. See why there was opposition to railroads from many groups. Be sure to look at the stereograph of the...
Library of Congress
Loc: History of Railroads and Maps: Railroad Maps 1828 1900
This history of the American railroad from the Library of Congress also provides an understanding of how maps and mapmaking were so closely related to the growth of our railway system.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Industrial Revolution
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.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: New Developments
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the early beginnings of railroads in America.
Other
Railroad Extra: The First Railroad in America
Here are some facts about the first railroad in America, which was constructed in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Other
Railroad History: The Milwaukee Road
This site examines the history of the Milwaukee Road (Railroad). This site discusses cost, number of trains, routes, expansion through the Midwest.
Curated OER
Map, So. Pacific r.r., 1896
A reading guide and discussion questions for Frank Norris' novel, "The Octopus," which outlines the unbridled power of the American railroads.