Chapter 22 Railroads and Farming

Section 1: The Growth of railroads The state’s economic growth had been slowed by its transportation problems. Most Texas rivers were either too shallow or too unreliable for shipping goods and dirt roads turned to mud during wet weather. In 1861 there were about 470 miles of rail lines in Texas. The Civil War interrupted plans for new railroad construction. U.S. had almost 53,000 miles and a transcontinental railroad – one that runs across a continent.

Section 1: The Growth of railroads Land grants and other forms of government aid helped create a railroad boom. A few large companies bought many of the railroads in Texas. These companies – such as the Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe – soon dominated railroad construction across the Southwest. By owning railroads in several states, such companies were able to create large railroad systems.

Railroads provided cheap, fast, and reliable transportation. Travel time for a 35-mile trip: By horse: day and a half By rail: two hours Cost to Ship 100 pounds per 100 miles: By wagon: about $1 By rail: 50¢ or less Conclusion: Railroads provided cheap, fast, and reliable transportation.

Causes of Railroad Boom The demand for cheap reliable transportation. The funding of railroad construction by cities and counties. The state land-grant policy for railroad funding. The expansion of Texas agriculture and industry. The promise of new business opportunities. Effects of Railroad Boom The continued settlement of the West Texas frontier. The growth of cities along the rail lines. The expansion of commercial agriculture. The growth of new jobs related to railroads. The decline of cities not along the rail lines.

Section 2: Changes in Farming Railroads played a major role in opening the Texas frontier to farming. As railroad companies built tracks through West Texas, settlers followed and purchased land near railroad stops. Farmers would then raise crops or livestock and ship their goods using the rail lines.

Section 2: changes in farming Farmers need new techniques to help them grow crops in the dry climate of West Texas. They practiced dry farming techniques such as terracing, or building small ridges, to keep moisture in the soil. Because cotton brought larger profits per acre than other crops, some Texas farmers began to grow only cotton because it grew so well in the dry West Texas climate.

Causes of Commercial Cotton Farming Boom New farm machinery - horse-drawn plows, steam-powered threshers, and two-row planters Increase in the number of farms Railroad expansion and reduced rates for shipping cotton Larger potential profits per acre of growing cotton Ability of cotton to grow well in West and East Texas Development of cottonseed oil Effects of Commercial Cotton Farming Boom Greatly increased the production and value of Texas farm goods Created an over-supply of cotton and led to a steep drop in cotton prices. Led to hardships for Texas cotton farmers – price of farmland rose Increased the number of tenant farmers and sharecroppers

Section 3: Agricultural Industries and Workers   Main Texas Industries Late 1800s Effect on Agriculture Effect on Economy Flour Milling Leading industry after agriculture in the 1870s 530 flour mills across Texas $3 million in production in Dallas County All helped boost the state economy Lumber/ Timber Leading industry after agriculture in the 1890s $16 million in production Most sawmills in the Piney Woods region Railroads used timber for fuel, rail ties, and bridges. Cottonseed oil Leading producer nationwide by 1900 Meatpacking Stockyards and meatpacking plants build near railroads to take advantage of refrigerated rail cars Mining Developed in 1880s when railroad locomotives began to use coal as fuel.

Additional Info A.H. Belo, owner of the Galveston News, installed first telephones/lines in Texas. He installed phones at his home and newspaper office in 1876. Labor unions helped to improve hours, wages, and working conditions of laborers. In 1882 the Texas Knights of Labor were organized to support skilled and unskilled workers.