Homesteaders and the Transcontinental Railroad

Question 9 • FL-2100315-United States History CR

How did Abraham Lincoln affect the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

Answer

Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 into law, which stimulated the construction of the railroad.

Lincoln appointed Theodore Judah to survey the land and locate investors for the transcontinental railroad.

Lincoln obstructed the passage of the railroad bill because he wanted the government to focus on the Civil War.

Lincoln prevented Leland Stanford from running one of the two railroad companies in order to avoid a monopoly.

Explanation

Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 into law. The act authorized federal support for building a transcontinental railroad, including land grants and loans, which helped stimulate construction. Theodore Judah helped promote the railroad project, but Lincoln did not appoint him to survey the route.

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