Thesis
Government involvement in the industrial railroad industry was a turning point in American History because the government up until that point had not really been a presence in the economy. The participation of state and federal governments in the goings-on of the railroads was a change from the laissez-faire policy of the previous time. Since railroads were a significant part of the economy, involvement there was an important turning point that set a trend for government participation in the regulation of industries.
A map of the Wabash route
A Northern Pacific Railway Company land grant gold bond.
A map of the Wabash route
map of land grants for railroads, wagon trails, etc.
