Transcontinental Railroad
A 1912 mile continuous railroad line, from Iowa to San Francisco
Real World Example
The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, was a major transportation route connecting the eastern U.S. to the western frontier, facilitating Westward Expansion. It allowed for faster, safer, and more efficient travel and transport of goods, drastically reducing the journey time across the country. This railroad symbolized progress and opportunity, representing the American spirit of adventure and innovation. Today, the values of connectivity and innovation continue to hold significance, as seen in the development of modern infrastructure like high-speed internet, which connects people globally. Just like the railroad did for travel and commerce, the internet enables instant communication and commerce across vast distances, shaping our everyday lives.