Railroads in the 19th century were very significant for a number of reasons. Apart from just serving the purpose of transport, they were used logistically during the civil war. Before the civil war, the railroad was also used tactfully by slaves who were escaping. Even after the civil war the railroads still proved to be significant means of transport for carrying out trade. This essay will briefly explore the importance of the railroad in the 19th century to America.
Long before the civil war, the railroad was very significant to the then slaves. The railroads were used by the slaves to escape from the south to the north. The term Underground Railroad was coined because the slaves could escape from the farms without their being traced them thus the assumption that the slaves were using some railroad which was underground to escape. It should be noted that the slaves did not actually use the railroads though in some instances it has been reported that some of the slaves could be hidden in the wagons on their way to the north (Railroad 1).
The significant point to note is that if the railroad could not have been there then the slaves could have not escaped to the north as they heavily depended on the conductors of the locomotives to direct them north. The railroad made it possible for a number of slaves to escape to the north where slaves were relatively cared for. The railroad, therefore, made it possible for the slaves to infiltrate the north as they fled the south looking for freedom. The attitude against slavery by the northern states was not welcomed by the southern states and it is believed to be one of the contributing factors leading to the break out of the civil war (Railroad 1).
The railroads were also very significant during the civil war this time for both the north and south states. The railroads were used to carry out many tasks. Transport was a major purpose the railroads were used for. The locomotives could be used to bring supplies to the fighting armies in the field. The locomotives also moved heavy fighting weapons to where they were required. The railroads made it possible for scouting to be carried by using locomotives. The locomotives could be driven towards the enemy regions to gather information on what was happening after which they could speed back without being caught. Generally, the railroads made it possible for easy movements of the armies and what they needed from one point to another. The railroads were also used to convey messages from one station to another as they were the quickest means of transport (Koenig 1).
Even after the civil war, the railroads were still significant as they made it possible for trade to be carried out and brought about much development. Heavy agricultural supplies could be quickly transported over the railroads. The railroads provided easy and cheap means of transporting manufactured goods from factories as well as raw materials to the factories. This made it possible for the union to develop quickly after wasting a lot of resources during the civil war (Long 1).
In conclusion, the railroads were the main means of transport in the 19th century in America. They were used extensively for transport. The slaves in the southern states escaped with the assistance of the railroads which were offered through the locomotive conductors who knew the way to the north so well. The railroads were also significant during the civil war as they assisted to move supplies to soldiers in the field. Finally, after the war, the railroads were used to transport raw materials to the factories and finished goods away from the factories.
Works Cited
Koenig Allan.Railroad’s Critical Role in the Civil War. History Net, 2006. Web.
Railroad. Underground Railroad. Oracle Think Quest, 2001. Web.
Long, Eb. Transport and Commerce in the Civil War. 2004. Web.