USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, it accelerated the decimation of the species and by 1900, naturalists estimated less than 1, 000 bison remained. By the late 1880s, the endless herds of bison were wiped out and just a few hundred individuals remained.

Detailed explanation-2: -Just as it opened the markets of the west coast and Asia to the east, it brought products of eastern industry to the growing populace beyond the Mississippi. The railroad ensured a production boom, as industry mined the vast resources of the middle and western continent for use in production.

Detailed explanation-3: -Each company faced unprecedented construction problems-mountains, severe weather, and the hostility of Native Americans. On May 10, 1869, in a ceremony at Promontory, Utah, the last rails were laid and the last spike driven.

Detailed explanation-4: -The great herds of buffalo that roamed the plains were essential for all parts of Sioux life and society. For most Sioux villages, “home” was wherever the herds of buffalo roamed.

Detailed explanation-5: -Then the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad accelerated the decimation of the species. Massive hunting parties began to arrive in the West by train, with thousands of men packing . 50 caliber rifles, and leaving a trail of buffalo carnage in their wake.