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Inventions and Innovations
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- The construction of the transcontinental railroad began in 1863. What was your first reaction to this? Did you think it could be done? Did you think it would be useful?
- Workers on the transcontinental railroad endured hardships such as raids from Native Americans, harsh weather, bison stampedes, and dynamite blasting. Did you experience any of these or other difficulties firsthand? Did you fear for a relative's safety?
- The two railroad lines met on May 10, 1869 at Promontory, Utah. What was your first reaction to this? Were you surprised that it was finished? Were you anxious to travel on the railroad?
- After its completion, travelers could go from the Atlantic seaboard to San Francisco in a week's time, whereas the fastest clipper ship had taken 3 months. What did you think about that? What changes did you anticipate would take place in America because of this?
- Railroads began replacing canals and other more cumbersome means of transportation, thus bringing farms and cities closer together. In what ways did this affect you? Did it help your farm or business, give you access to more goods, or make it more convenient to travel?
- Did the transcontinental railroad run through your land? Could you see it from your home? What effect did it have on you? Did it upset your livestock or daily activities? In what way? Were you afraid that cinders from the smokestack would cause a fire?
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