Summary

The first transcontinental railroad was built across the western half of the United States. It was 1,776 miles long and connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by railroad for the first time in history. The Pacific Railroads Act allowed Congress to try building this railroad, so they picked 2 companies to take the head of this construction: the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad. The transcontinental railroad was finished and open for people on May 10, 1869. The transportation made the transport of goods faster, cheaper, and more flexible as well as traveling across the U.S. much more convenient.

Video Link

http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/transcontinental-railroad/videos