RAILROADS IN THE UNITED STATES

The first rail was laid in the United States in 1828. By 1830, the rail network consisted of just 30 miles. But by 1848, that had grown to nearly 6,000 miles. By 1852, six rail lines had breached the Appalachian Mountains and the first had reached Chicago. By 1860, Chicago boasted service by no fewer than 11 railroads. ................
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