Linda Hall Library: The Transcontinental Railroad
(railroad.lindahall.org/index.html)
Grades 3-12, with parental supervision
Explore the history of the Transcontinental Railroad and the technology of trains with this website from the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri.
When arriving at the site an interactive map will load with hotspots along the train route to click on providing images and brief explanations. Links at the bottom of the summaries lead the visitor to more in-depth information about the topic. Or use the left-hand menu to explore:
- A Brief History of the Pacific Railway
- Black Powder & Nitroglycerin
- Couplers & Brakes
- Cultural Impact
- Locomotives
- Rail Cars
- Rail Gauge
- Snow Sheds
- Time Standardization
- Tunnels & Bridges
- Each page includes interesting articles and images concisely explaining the topic.
Continue learning about the railroad using the links on the right-hand sidebar. Here you will find:
- Search the Railroad Journal Collection – links to the Linda Hall Library digital collection of railroad journals from the 19th century
- Who Was Who – Discover the people involved in early railroad transportation.
- What Was What – a glossary of 19th century railroad terms
- Maps & Plans – Explore the Linda Hall Library digital collection of railroad maps and plans.
- Travel Along the Pacific Railway – Take an interactive trip through time with this clever timeline that includes images, animations, and tidbits of information (needs Flash to work).
- Hop on the Quiz Train – Test what you have learned with an interactive multiple-choice quiz.
Add this site to your list of must-visits for your American history studies.
