State Historical Society of Iowa

"Railroad Jubilee at Rock Island," February 24, 1854

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"Railroad Jubilee at Rock Island," February 24, 1854
Courtesy of Library of Congress, "Railroad Jubillee at Rock Island," Muscatine Journal, pp. 2, 24 February 1854

Description

As Americans settled the upper Midwest in the early 19th century, transportation to market was an important consideration. By the mid-19th century, railroads were becoming central to discussions of markets and transportation. This story from the Muscatine Journal describes the celebration that accompanied the arrival of the railroad connecting Rock Island to Chicago.

Transcript of "Railroad Jubillee at Rock Island" Newspaper Article

Printable Excerpt of "Railroad Jubillee at Rock Island" Newspaper Article

Source-Dependent Questions

  • What evidence suggests that this was a major event?
  • What does this event suggest about the importance of the railroads? Use evidence from the source to support your claim.

Citation Information 

"Railroad Jubillee at Rock Island," Muscatine Journal, pp. 2, 24 February 1854. Courtesy of Library of Congress