The Transcontinental Railroad

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

by Chandra Henry, SDSU
Stephanie Loutas, SDSU
Kellyn Thompson, Chase Ave.

This WebQuest will focus on the effects of the transcontinental railroad on the various groups of people who participated in its development.

Introduction

Have you ever ridden on a train or thought about how they were made?

After the Gold Rush, developers wanted to connect the Eastern United States to the Western United States by a faster mode of transportation. Trains were the newest and fastest way to get from one place to another.

In this WebQuest you will explore the Transcontinental Railroad, how it was built, and who the key builders were. You will take on the identity of either the Chinese-Americans, Settlers, or members of the Big Four and research their roles in the railroad.

At the end, you will be placed in small groups and discuss your findings and opinions based upon your research.