Northern Pacific Railway

Definition

The Northern Pacific Railway was a transcontinental railroad that linked the eastern United States with the Pacific Northwest, completing its first line from Duluth, Minnesota, to Tacoma, Washington, in 1883. This railway played a crucial role in the expansion of settlement and development in the region, facilitating trade, commerce, and transportation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Northern Pacific Railway was chartered by Congress in 1864 and took nearly two decades to complete due to financial difficulties and challenges posed by the terrain.
2. Its completion significantly increased access to the Pacific Northwest, leading to an influx of settlers and contributing to the growth of cities like Spokane and Tacoma.
3. The railway helped transport natural resources such as timber and coal from the West to markets in the East, boosting economic growth in both regions.
4. The Northern Pacific Railway was also instrumental in the development of agriculture in the area by providing farmers with essential access to markets for their crops.
5. In addition to facilitating commerce, the railway's construction led to conflicts with Native American tribes as settlers encroached on their lands.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway impact settlement patterns in the Pacific Northwest?
  • The construction of the Northern Pacific Railway directly influenced settlement patterns in the Pacific Northwest by providing easier access for settlers moving west. Once completed, it opened up previously isolated areas, encouraging an influx of people seeking land and opportunities. This resulted in the rapid establishment of towns and communities along the railway line, fundamentally altering the demographic landscape of the region.
• Analyze how land grants contributed to the development of the Northern Pacific Railway and its surrounding areas.
  • Land grants were critical in supporting the development of the Northern Pacific Railway by providing financial incentives and resources necessary for its construction. The U.S. government granted vast amounts of land to railroad companies, including the Northern Pacific, which they could sell or use to attract settlers. This practice not only funded construction but also stimulated settlement by ensuring that new communities sprang up along railway lines, thereby fostering economic growth and infrastructure development.
• Evaluate the long-term economic impacts of the Northern Pacific Railway on both the Pacific Northwest and eastern states.
  • The long-term economic impacts of the Northern Pacific Railway were significant for both the Pacific Northwest and eastern states. By connecting these regions, it facilitated a steady flow of goods, resources, and people, fostering trade relationships that bolstered local economies. The transport of agricultural products, timber, and minerals from the West to Eastern markets contributed to industrial growth while also enhancing agricultural production in the Northwest. However, this economic development came at a cost, leading to environmental changes and tensions with Indigenous populations as railroads expanded into new territories.

Related terms

Transcontinental Railroad: A railroad that connects the eastern and western parts of the United States, allowing for faster movement of goods and people across the country.

Land Grants:

Federal lands provided to railroad companies as incentives to encourage the construction of railroads, often leading to the establishment of new towns and settlements.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable, driving settlement in the West.