Why did the railroad surveys begin at Mississippi river?

Railroad surveys beginning at the Mississippi River resulted from a combination of geographical, economic, and transportation factors during the 19th century in the United States. Several reasons contributed to this starting point:

1.Mississippi River as a Transportation Hub: The Mississippi River was a vital transportation artery in the 19th century. It served as a major pathway for trade and commerce, connecting the Midwest and the East Coast. The establishment of railroads would provide a more efficient and faster mode of transportation, complementing the river's role in moving goods and people.

2.Access to Resources and Markets: The lands west of the Mississippi River were rich in natural resources, such as timber, minerals, and fertile agricultural land. Constructing railroads allowed for easier access to these resources and facilitated their transport to the expanding markets in the East. Railroads enabled farmers and businesses in the Midwest and Western regions to efficiently ship their products to Eastern markets, while Eastern manufactured goods could be more readily distributed to the growing settlements in the West.

3.Gateway to the West: St. Louis, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River, emerged as a significant transportation hub and gateway to the vast Western territories. As settlers moved westward, the construction of railroads from St. Louis westward became crucial in connecting the East Coast to the rapidly developing regions in the interior of North America. St. Louis became a pivotal point for railroads to extend across the continent, facilitating exploration and settlement beyond the Mississippi River.

4.Federal Land Grants and Incentives: The U.S. government incentivized railroad construction through land grants and financial assistance. These incentives provided substantial motivation for railroad companies to undertake the challenging task of building railroads through unexplored territories. By starting at the Mississippi River and expanding westward, railroad companies could take advantage of these incentives, securing large swaths of land and financial support.

5.Technological Advancements: The mid-19th century witnessed significant technological advancements in railroad construction, such as the mass production of iron rails and the development of more efficient steam locomotives. These advancements made railroad building more feasible and encouraged companies to undertake ambitious projects, including those that extended beyond the Mississippi River.

In summary, the railroad surveys beginning at the Mississippi River can be attributed to the river's importance as a transportation hub, access to abundant resources and markets, the emergence of St. Louis as a gateway to the West, government incentives, and evolving railroad technologies. These factors collectively spurred railroad expansion westward from the Mississippi River, shaping the transportation infrastructure of the United States.