USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -1883. Geography and Map Division. The Pacific Railway Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 1, 1862. This act provided Federal government support for the building of the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1869.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Act aided in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean and secured the use of that line to the government. The legislation authorized two railroad companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, to construct the lines.

Detailed explanation-3: -Presidents of all four incarnations of the Union Pacific Railroad: William Butler Ogden (1862–1863) John Adams Dix (1863–1865) Oliver Ames, Jr.

Detailed explanation-4: -After Southern states seceded, Congress agreed on a northern route to the Pacific and to the use of federal lands to subsidize the construction of a railroad and telegraph line.