New York Central Line Advertisement for Rail Service to Buffalo, Pan-American Exhibition, 1901

Railroads became the dominant means of long-distance travel in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Speed and affordability contributed to the major reliance on trains for the transportation of both goods and people. By 1901, railroads existed throughout the country opening new areas to visitors and settlers. Mergers and other agreements between independent railroads throughout New York, New England, and the Midwest allowed a passenger to purchase one ticket and ride from a city like Boston all the way to Chicago.

The New York Central Railroad was established in 1853 with the merger of ten railroads throughout New York with origins in the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad founded in 1826. In 1901, a passenger could travel by train from Boston to places as far away as Chicago and Peoria, Illinois on the railroads associated with the New York Central Lines. The Boston & Albany Railroad was a separate entity that provided passenger service from Boston, Massachusetts to Albany, New York. Once in Albany, a passenger could take the New York Central Railroad to Buffalo.

In 1901, Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition from May 1 to November 1. The event emphasized the cultures of North and South America and showcased new technological advances and various botanical displays. The fairgrounds were bordered on the North by the New York Central railroad tracks providing easy access from the train.  Almost 8 million people attended the fair during those six months in 1901. Perhaps one of the most notable events related to the exposition was the assassination of President McKinley outside the Temple of Music on September 6. He died from his wounds on September 14 ushering in the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
 

 

How did railroads impact individuals and local communities?

 

Based on the evidence in this broadside, draw two conclusions about the impact of railroads on individuals and local communities.