What were the benefits and drawbacks of having a railroad run through your city in the 1800s? Who were the leaders in the railroad industry during the 1800s? (example: Who got rich from the railroad industry?)

What debates did people have about the placement of the Transcontinental Railroad?

What does the presence of “ghost towns” tell us about the importance of railroads in the 19th century?

Research Steps:
Select a question from the list of questions above.

View the How to Conduct Research tutorial.

Complete any additional online research necessary to answer the question.

Write a five-paragraph essay in which you answer the question and provide at least three examples of your research to support your answer.