A map of the United notes titled Railroads and Farmers. Railroads moved farmers from the Eastern Cities to the Great Plains. These farmers grew crops and food, which the railroads then shipped to the Eastern Cities. How did the railroads impact the relationship between eastern cities and the Great Plains? Railroads brought settlers to cities in the East, and crops and food to farms in the Great Plains. Railroads brought crops and food to cities in the East, and settlers to farms in the Great Plains. Railroads brought settlers west, but did not bring anything east, so the relationship was not equal. Railroads brought crops and food east, but did not bring anything west, so the relationship was not equal.