Railroad construction was begun in the United States about 1830. By 1850 railroads reached as far west as St. Louis. Many stage lines were established in early Kansas. The first railroad was built in Kansas in 1860; the line extended from Elwood to Marysville. The Union Pacific was built through Kansas between 1862 and 1869. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was completed in 1872. In the meantime a number of other roads were built. The railroads received large grants of land, which they sold to settlers, thereby raising money and increasing business. They advertised Kansas widely. The people soon found it necessary to regulate the railroads, and created for this purpose the Railroad Commission, now the Public Utilities Commission. Besides the various railroad systems of the State, there are many interurban lines and a rapidly growing motor truck service. Great progress in road improvement is being made. REFERENCES Arnold, Civics and Citizenship, pp. 97-108. Maps and Folders, published by the railroad companies. Blackmar, Kansas, vol. II, pp. 533-548. Elson, History of the United States, pp. 475, 618, 818. Prentis, History of Kansas, pp. 168-170, 184-186, 191-194. Historical Collections, vol. VIII, p. 384; vol. XI, p. 529; vol. XII, pp. 37, 47, 383; vol. IX, p. 467; vol. VI, p. 357. Reports of Interstate Commerce Commission and Public Utilities Commission. Andreas, History of Kansas, pp. 241-252. Inman, The Old Santa Fe Trail. Root and Connelley, The Overland Stage Route to California. Spring, Kansas, pp. 306-313. QUESTIONS 1. Give an account of the beginning of railway transportation in the United States. What were the conditions by 1850? 2. What were the early methods of travel in Kansas? 3. Why were the early settlers anxious for railroads? What did they do to secure railroads? 4. Discuss the stage lines; the Pony Express. 5. When and where was the first railroad built in Kansas? 6. Tell something of the building of the main line of the Union Pacific. 7. Give an account of the building of the Union Pacific through Kansas. What were some of the difficulties that had to be overcome? 8. When was the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe built? Give its route. 9. Name other railroads in Kansas. 10. Why were land grants made to the railroad companies? How did the railroad companies use this land? 11. Why did the railroad companies advertise Kansas? What was the effect on the State? 12. Locate settlements of foreigners in Kansas. 13. Show why there is a close relation between the people and the railroads. 14. Why has regulation of the railroads been found necessary? How has it been accomplished?