If the Engineers are ready, it is proposed to break ground on the Pacific Rail Road, on the 1st or 2nd day of next month, at some
point in Nebraska, through which, under the Act of Congress, the
line will pass. This inauguration of the work will be followed up by
early measures to complete, as soon as possible, the grading of
one hundred miles of road authorized by the Board of Directors to
report under contract.
In view of the vastness of the enterprise, and its probable
influence upon the political and commercial prosperity of the
country, it would be gratifying to receive a communication from
you to be read on the occasion.
I have the honor to be,
very respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.
John A. Dix"
- Letter from John A. Dix to Abraham Lincoln, 1863
Besides the railroad, how did the United States become the
leading industrial power?