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Asa Whitney presented to congress that there should be a railroad that spans from the mississippi to the pacific.
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Due to territories oregon, new mexico, arizona, and colorado. Then the discovery of gold in california. Led to increased support for the project.
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Senator stephen douglas intoduced the idea of a his Kansas Nebraska act, which was intended to win approval for the railroad. North and South problems put a delay in that.
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During civil war legislature enacted a bill that was passed which let the railroads be built by two comapnies, Union and Central pacific railroad companies.
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Union pacific- east to west from Omaha, Nebraska. Cnetral- west ot east from Sacramento california. Met at Promotory Summit, utah. Golden spike joined the two railroads.
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Three additional railroads were constructed.
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A fifth line was added to the Railroad called the Great Norhtern.
