[ 6.3 ] Railroads, Ranches, and Farms

[ 6.3 ] Railroads, Ranches, and Farms

Learning Objectives

• Describe the effects of the growth of railroads on ranching and farming in Texas.• Analyze the impact railroads had on the Texas economy.• Explain the ways in which Texans encouraged companies to build railroads in their

state.• Evaluate the effect railroads had on the resources and population of Texas.

[ 6.3 ] Railroads, Ranches, and Farms

Key Terms

• commercial agriculture• irrigate• bonds• interest• land grants• Southern Pacific Railroad

The Effects of the Growth of Railroads

Texas went through many changes in the 1800s. The population grew, and with it, cities and towns expanded. The cattle business boomed. Cotton farming spread. One of the greatest reasons behind these and other changes in Texas was a major technological innovation: the coming of the railroad.

The Effects of the Growth of Railroads

• Texans Demand Railroads• First Attempts Fail• The Harrisburg Railroad• The Effects of Railroads on the Ranching Industry• Railroads Replace Cattle Trails• Railroads Spur Advancement in the Agricultural Industry• Railroads Carry Farmers to West Texas

The Effects of the Growth of Railroads

Analyze Visuals Based on the flowchart, what main problems prevented railroad companies from laying track in Texas more quickly?

The Effects of the Growth of Railroads

Trains like this one, photographed in the 1850s, became increasingly important to the U.S. transportation of the era.

Railroads Boost the Economy

Railroad construction in Texas slowed during the Civil War. Railroad workers left to fight the war. There were few workers to maintain the rails. Also, Texas had no factories for making rails or replacement parts for trains. By the end of the war, the tracks needed repair. After the war, railroad building started slowly. However, the pace of building quickly increased.

Railroads Boost the Economy

• Funding the Railroads• Land Grants• Building a Railroad System• Railroads Encourage Growth in Other Major Industries• Outsiders Control the Railroads

Railroads Boost the Economy

Analyze Visuals Based on the flowchart, how did railroads contribute to economic growth and an increase in population in Texas?

Railroads Boost the Economy

Texas's railroad system expanded throughout the late 1800s. In 1883, workers joined two railroad lines at the Silver Spike ceremony shown here to create one cross-country railroad.

Railroads Boost the Economy

Analyze Visuals Why were large companies needed to build railroad tracks across Texas?

Railroads Promote Urbanization and Population Growth

The growth of the railroads in Texas had many effects. Like most new technologies, railroads posed new challenges and problems.

Railroads Promote Urbanization and Population Growth

• A More Diverse Population• Railroads Increase the Population• Urbanization of Texas• Faster Travel• Unfair Practices

Railroads Promote Urbanization and Population Growth

The growth of the railroad helped Texas cities like this one boom during the late 1800s.

Railroads Promote Urbanization and Population Growth

Analyze Data What benefits would Texans likely have received from the expansion of the railroad in the state?

Quiz: The Effects of the Growth of Railroads

Why did Texans want railroads in their state?

A. They thought it would encourage settlement.B. Shipping goods was slow and expensive.C. Railroad companies offered to buy land at high prices.D. Cowboys refused to ride the cattle trails any longer.

Quiz: Railroads Boost the Economy

What incentive was offered by the state to companies in exchange for building railroads?

A. landB. silverC. livestockD. cheap labor

Quiz: Railroads Promote Urbanization and Population GrowthWhat was one problem related to the spread of railroads across Texas?

A. Travel time was greatly increased between nearby cities.B. The state’s population and economy were boosted.C. Chinese rail workers faced racism and unfair treatment.D. Houston, Dallas, and Amarillo became major centers of trade.