Why did new towns spring up in places that were not near rivers or canals?

a.) all of the land near rivers and canals was already occupied by cities and towns.

b) the united states government sponsored new towns away from rivers and canals to attract settlers to the west.

c.) the high levels of pollution in the country’s rivers led people to settle areas that were far from those rivers.

d.) the towns sprang up along newly laid railroad tracks. railroads could be built almost anywhere.

The correct answer is:

D) The towns sprang up along newly laid railroad tracks. Railroads could be built almost anywhere.

The rail network in U.S. initially it traveled short distances or nearby cities, until the first transcontinental railroad began in the year 1860 joining the east coast with California, with the Pacific coast. This allowed many towns and cities to be built along the railroad tracks since the railroad allowed the towns to access the necessary subsistence and trade inputs without the need for a river or a nearby port.

I hope this answer can help you.