America's first transcontinental railroad (known originally as the "Pacific Railroad" and later as the "Overland Route") was a 1,911-mile (3,075 km) continuous railroad line built between 1863 and 1869 that connected the existing eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the Pacific coast at the Oakland Long Wharf on San Francisco Bay. The rail line was built by three private companies over public lands provided by extensive U.S. land grants. Building was financed by both state and U.S. government subsidy bonds as well as by company-issued mortgage bonds. The Western Pacific Railroad Company built 132 miles (212 km) of track from the road's western terminus at Alameda/Oakland to Sacramento, California.
Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First Transcontinental Railroad only 83 hours and
Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First Transcontinental Railroad only 83 hours and 39 minutes after having left New York City
Historical Significance
America's first transcontinental railroad (known originally as the "Pacific Railroad" and later as the "Overland Route") was a 1,911-mile (3,075 km) continuous railroad line built between 1863 and 1869 that connected the existing eastern U.
Events Before
Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-
Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-air wagons [1]
Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium
Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium
Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France
Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France
1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75
The Kentucky Derby () is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Captain Matthew Webb makes the first recorded unassisted swim across the English Channel in 21 hours and 45 minutes
The English Channel, also known as the Channel, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France.
Events After
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four wickets to England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
World's first home telephone is installed in Somerville, Massachusetts at the house of Charles Williams Jr. [1]
The Charles Williams Jr. House, built in 1858, is a historic house in Somerville, Massachusetts. Charles Williams Jr.
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
First Wimbledon tennis championship - first official lawn tennis tournament - begins featuring men's singles only
The 1877 Wimbledon Championship was a men's tennis tournament held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club (AEC & LTC) in Wimbledon, London.
More from the 1870s
Belgium disbands its salt tax
Belgium disbands its salt tax
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that tim
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that time
Japan adopts the Gregorian calendar
Japanese calendar types have included a range of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar together with year designations stating the year of the reign of the…
New York City annexes the West Bronx
The boroughs of New York City are the five major governmental districts that compose New York City. They are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on June 4, 1876?
- America's first transcontinental railroad (known originally as the "Pacific Railroad" and later as the "Overland Route") was a 1,911-mile (3,075 km) continuous railroad line built between 1863 and 1869 that connected the existing eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the Pacific coast at the Oakland Long Wharf on San Francisco Bay. The rail line was built by three private companies over public lands provided by extensive U.S.
- Why is Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First ... significant?
- America's first transcontinental railroad (known originally as the "Pacific Railroad" and later as the "Overland Route") was a 1,911-mile (3,075 km) continuous railroad line built between 1863 and 1869 that connected the existing eastern U.