Transcontinental Railroad

On May 10, 1869, the two lines met at Promontory Point, Utah. A golden spike was driven in to complete the 1,800 miles of track. In time, a network of railroads would bring new settlers, encourage construction of towns and cities, and allow mail and supplies to be shipped clear across the country.

The Chinese workers, who had contributed so much to building the railroad, were not acknowledged at the celebration. Their reward for years of hard work was to lose their jobs. A few of them fulfilled their dream of returning to China. But most stayed on in America, helping to build new farms and businesses across the West.

And the questions based on the reading.

1. 
   What was the Homestead Act?
   

2. 
   What were the names of the two railroad companies that were chosen to build the transcontinental railroad?
   

3. 
   Describe the workers that laid down the tracks for the Union Pacific.
   

4. 
   EXPLAIN why there was a problem between the Union Pacific and the Native Americans.
   

5. 
   What ethnicity was brought in to complete the work for the Central Pacific Railroad?
   

6. 
   Where did the two rail lines meet?