The Transcontinental Railroad was built to provide a safer, faster route between the eastern and western areas of the United States. Learn how the Transcontinental Railroad helped shape the state of California and its people.

Ignite a curiosity about history through primary sources such as maps, letters, images, and photographs. This Spanish primary source reader will help English language learners achieve social studies literacy. Features include:

• Text features such as a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents increase comprehension and build academic vocabulary
• Journal It! culminating activity challenges students to write a journal entry from the perspective of a railroad worker
• Your Turn! activity challenges students to write a letter persuading private investors to invest in the railroad
• Read and Respond provides post-reading questions that develop critical thinking