The History of the Minnesota Railroad

Originally the first railroads in Minnesota were built in St.Paul in 1857 and were built there because it was an easier way to travel back and forth from there

JAMES J HILL

• Was a famous Canadian/American railroad executive and businessman.
• He headed the Great Northern Railway which runs from St.Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington stretching more 1,700 miles.
• The Great Northern Railway, was one of the few transcontinental railroads that avoided bankruptcy during the economic crisis.

CHARLIE CROCKER

• Was an American railroad executive who founded the Central Pacific Railroad, which constructed the westernmost portion of the first transcontinental railroad.
• His position with the company was that of construction supervisor and president of Charles Crocker & Co.

WHY THE RAILROAD WAS HELPFUL

• It helped transport goods faster.
• Also transported things farther.
• Could transport people faster.
• Could transport bigger loads of goods.

HOW THE RAILROAD WAS HARMFUL

• Polluted the air
• Loud
• They had to cut down trees for the railroad