As our nation expanded its influence westward, we sought means of faster transportation. Early one, the only means to travel were by foot, wagon or water. As steam technology became feasible and abundant, railroads began to spread westward as well. With the construction of rail to the west, it brought with it enhanced capabilities. Capabilities not just of personal transport but the transport of goods and materials as well. With this capability, Americans moving west brought with them economic and agricultural growth. Rail expansion to the west directly impacted this economic and agricultural growth westward. In 1808, Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin noted in a report to Congress that as transportation conduits expanded and shortened …show more content…
The shift to a single crop of high yield offered significantly greater profits. The presence of rail led to a higher chance of significant profits. Railroads also brought with it a greater availability of technologies such as steel plows and large farming equipment. Aside from crops, the plains offered great swaths of land that could be utilized for cattle. Both dairy and beef found their home in the presence of the railroads. Rail made the transport of cattle and livestock goods considerable faster and at times more affordable. (Brosnan) While agriculture certainly was impacted by rail, some settlers utilized the prospect of westward rail expansion and agriculture a bit differently than other. Western farmers likely utilized both the Homestead Act and the prediction that their chosen location would soon have access to the expanding rail. This gamble, if it came to fruition, would prove to be very advantages to the farmers. It allowed them to grab land for their ventures prior to the presence of rail which would undoubtedly lead to a rise in land prices. Farmers could then establish their land and await the arrival of a rail connection. At that point, they would be able to either sell the land for a profit and repeat the process further west or alternatively, work the land and utilize the new rail connections to turn a profit by selling a high yield crop.