Task:

1. Research the transcontinental railroad taking notes while using a URL site, an encyclopedia and a picture book.
2. As a character working on the transcontinental railroad, use the notes to create an illustrated journal containing 6 - 7 entries which reveal important incidents and discoveries. (Student character interpretation * )
3. Organize a focused narrative which:
   • includes background information about how and why the transcontinental railroad came to be
   • contains information of what happened while building the transcontinental railroad
   • uses supporting details to explain how the transcontinental railroad affected the growth history of the United States!
4. Create an artifact packet (use a gallon plastic bag) which includes primary source documents, miniature props, and a descriptive index of the contents related to the transcontinental railroad.

Online resources:

1. Student-created interpretation of a challenge to work on the railroad and suggested readings for a study of the transcontinental railroads.
2. May 10, 1869 - Placing the last rail at Promontory, Utah linking the locomotives of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways. [ Golden Spike National Historic Site (see: 973.82)
3. Charles Crocker, a dry goods merchant was one of the partners of the Central Pacific Railroad. [ Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum]

Books:

1. Blumberg, Rhoda. Full Steam Ahead: The Race to Build a Transcontinental Railroad.
2. Anderson, Peter. The Transcontinental Railroad (1996)
3. Fraser, Mary Ann. Ten Mile Day and the Building of the Transcontinental Railroad
4. Krensky, Stephen. The Iron Dragon Never Sleeps
5. Goble, Paul. Death of the Iron Horse
6. Stein, R. Conrad. Story of the Golden Spike (1978)

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As of December 4, 2003, you are visitor to explore the railroads.

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Copyright © 1999 Marjorie Duby All Rights Reserved.
Last modified: January 9, 2004

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