What was one main reason the United States wanted the land gained in the Gadsden Purchase?

The United States acquired the Gadsden Purchase in 1853 mainly to obtain land suitable for a southern transcontinental railroad route and to settle a disputed section of the U.S.-Mexico border. Choice B, “To build a southern railroad and settle border issues,” gives both reasons. The purchase was not primarily intended to protect gold-mining routes or provide farmland.

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