Railroads and the Making of America
- Dennis Wilmot
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Thus begins the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence of these United States of America which we recognize on its 250th anniversary with great celebrations. We think back to what made and shaped America and must start with the founding fathers, that first generation of men who did what no other people had ever done in history, based a country on a creed rather than on geography, nationality, or other means of identity. But since then, what other forces shaped this unique country to become the most powerful, giving, gracious country in history?
One foundational element is the railroads. Railroads helped build the United States in a literal, economic, political, and symbolic sense. They tied distant regions together, accelerated westward expansion, powered industrial capitalism, and reshaped war and government regulation. But when did they actually begin, and how did they actually help shape America?
The First Railroads
The Leiper Railroad (1810)
The first railway used for freight on a consistent basis was the Leiper Railroad in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It began operations in 1810 to move quarry stone from Crum Creek to Ridley Creek and continued in operation for 19 years. This had real horsepower in the truest sense, as it was a horse-drawn tramway.
The Granite Railway (1826)
The American Society of Civil Engineers identifies the Granite Railway Company of Quincy as the first commercial railway in the United States. It used horses, not steam locomotives, and carried granite from Quincy for the Bunker Hill Monument. It ran between Quincy and Milton, Massachusetts and was completed October 7, 1826.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (1830)
Despite those grand achievements, most people consider the first railroad to be the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad which began regular operations on May 22, 1830. The B&O was chartered in 1827 and became the first common-carrier railroad in the United States. Its first 13-mile segment ran from Baltimore’s Mount Clare area to Ellicott’s Mills, now Ellicott City, and began regular operations on May 22, 1830, initially with horses as motive power.
An Explosive Era of Growth
In light of our own recent July 4th celebrations, let’s talk about explosions. From one railroad in 1830 with 13 initial miles to, almost three decades later, the start of the Civil War there were over 460 railroads with a total over 30,000 route miles. And by 1900 the total had almost tripled to over 1,200 railroads with almost 200,000 route miles (not including extra main tracks, yards, and sidings). But the sheer scale of that growth is only part of the story.
How Railroads Changed America
1. Railroads Helped Unite the Nation
Railroads helped to make the United States feel…well, united. Prior to railroads, people and goods moved slowly by rivers, canals, wagons, or ships. Railroads increased velocity and created a more reliable inland network.
The most famous example was the first transcontinental railroad, built from 1863 to 1869 and completed at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869, linking the Central Pacific and Union Pacific lines.
2. Railroads Drove Westward Expansion
We’ve all heard of wagon trains and the Oregon Trail, but railroads were a paradigm shift that made it easier for everyone (settlers, merchants, miners, ranchers, and federal officials) to move west. Towns grew up around depots and junctions, and cities like Chicago, Denver and Atlanta became major transportation and commercial centers partly because of rail connections.
3. Railroads Powered Industrial Capitalism
a) Railroads helped create a national market.
b) Farmers could ship grain, cattle, cotton, and fruit farther than before.
c) Factories could receive coal, iron, lumber, and other raw materials.
d) Manufacturers could distribute finished goods across the country.
e) They were among the first truly large modern corporations in the United States.
4. A New Era of Federal Regulation
Railroads helped to increase federal power and regulation. Because they were some of the first large corporations, they became the first industry subject to federal regulation when the Interstate Commerce Act was passed in 1887. They raised questions that still matter today about how much power any large corporation should have, and how much regulation should the government levy on them. To no small degree, railroads were at the heart of what has become known as the administrative state.
5. Railroads Were Vital During the Civil War
Railroads played a crucial role in the Civil War. Although only three decades old, the railroads were what moved troops, ammunition, equipment, etc., and became a key part of the strategic effort of both sides. The North having a stronger rail network was a key advantage throughout the war.
6. Railroads Standardized Time
Railroads standardized time and daily life. Yes, you can blame the railroads for our time zones. Across the country local communities kept local solar time which became a significant issue for “running the railroad”. In 1883 the railroads presented their solution, time zones, so they could track their schedules.
The Legacy Lives On
Railroads shaped American myths and identity. Railroads have become a symbol of much of what America is. As America has developed and changed, so have the railroads. They are a part of American history and a part of America’s future.
If you enjoyed this article, please share your thoughts by emailing me at dennis@ihlogistics.com.