1. Learning Target: I can analyze primary sources to determine the importance of the Transcontinental Railroad for the United States. Do Now: Analyze the photograph on slide 2, what do you see?

2. Analyze the following photograph:

3. Transcontinental Railroad  In 1862, the Pacific Railroad Act chartered the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad Companies, and tasked them to build a transcontinental railroad that would link the U.S. from east to west, help ship goods/products, & travel.  The two companies would race toward each other from Sacramento, California on the one side and Omaha, Nebraska on the other  Both struggled against great risks before they met at Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869.

4. Activity  Today we will be analyzing primary and secondary sources on the Transcontinental Railroad.  Read the document, analyze the photos and answer the questions that follow.  Share responses with class.

5. Essential Question Exit Slip  How did the Transcontinental Railroad impact the United States?