The Texas Railroad

October 2016 History of Railroads in Texas

The History of the Texas Railroad
1 Early settlers in Texas faced a lot of transportation problems due to the geography of the location. The rivers in Texas were not deep enough to allow people to use steamboats to travel throughout the year. Furthermore, the roads in Texas were often difficult to travel on due to weather conditions. The state authorities tried to resolve this problem by building broader roads. However, it wasn't until the railroads reached Texas that transportation improved.
2 Texas did not have the funds for the construction of early railroads, and it received part finance from the eastern United States and from other countries. Texas received financing assistance in the form of bonds. The Texas Railroad, Navigation, and Banking Company started its business in 1836. This company was created to build railroads throughout the state. Some of the most prominent citizens of Texas supported this company. However, many Texans were doubtful whether this company would succeed. This disagreement resulted in the company closing by 1838, without it ever having laid a single rail. Finally, another company called the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Railway Company was formed in 1850. Construction for the railway began in 1851, and the first portion of track opened in 1853. In 1856, another railroad company came into play, and they opened the first segment of track to the public. The railroad's name changed to the Houston and Texas Central Railway Company. Many new railroad companies were started over the following years. By 1861, nine companies were active, and approximately 470 miles of track existed in Texas. Each railway company was active for only a short time, but the contribution of each company was important to the development of the railroad in Texas.
3 After 1865, the Washington County Rail Road Company, the Eastern Texas Railroad Company, and the Texas and New Orleans Railroad Company began to work in Texas. By about 1867, railroad construction had progressed to a great extent. During the 1870s, more progress was made, and track work moved forward at a greater pace. With years of hard work, the Texas railroad was finally built, and it contributed greatly toward shaping the future of the state.

The Galveston and Red River Railroad Company

The Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Company

The Galveston and Red River Railroad Company received a contract for the Texas railroad in 1848, but they did not begin work till 1855.
They built only two miles of railroad tracks.
This company was renamed as the Houston and Texas Central Railway Company.

The first tracks in Texas were laid in 1852.
The Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado operated the first railroad in Texas, with track connecting Harrisburg and Stafford.

1
Select the correct answer.

Why did the author include the information in the text box at the bottom?
A.
to provide additional information on the different railroad companies that worked in Texas
B.
to describe the different parts of Texas where the railroad was built
C.
to highlight the time it took to finish completing the entire railroad in Texas
D.
to explain why different railroad companies could not build the railroad as per their contract