Transcontinental Railroad: The transcontinental railroad was a railway system that spanned from coast to coast across North America. Its completion in 1869 greatly facilitated trade between East and West and accelerated westward expansion.
Cornelius Vanderbilt: Cornelius Vanderbilt was a prominent American business magnate who dominated the railroad industry during the mid-19th century. Known as the "Commodore," he built a vast railway empire through aggressive consolidation and expansion.
Interstate Commerce Act: The Interstate Commerce Act was passed in 1887 to regulate railroad practices, specifically addressing issues such as discriminatory rates and monopolistic behavior. It was one of the first attempts by the federal government to regulate private industries for public interest.