Abraham Lincoln | Spike 150

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln
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The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was instrumental in the development of the Transcontinental Railroad. In 1862 he signed the Pacific Railway Act that launched the plan. His goal: to unite a nation of settlers and build a railway system to support the expanding communities from east to west. Lincoln started the railroad but was assassinated before its completion. He didn’t witness the origin of America’s Industrial Age.

If you’re looking to find out more about Lincoln’s role in the Transcontinental Railroad and see his signature on the act itself, check out the free Spencer Fox Eccles Treasures of the Transcontinental Railroad exhibit at the Utah State Capitol Gold Room from May 3rd – June 24th, 2019.  

Want to go back to where it all began? Immerse yourself into the 1860s, just as Congress and Abe Lincoln signed the bill. Click here to find ten lesson plans with a variety of documents, maps, and history to discover.

Continue Your Student's Discovery

  • The Settlement of the American West

    Students analyze primary sources with an eye for cause-and-effect relationships. They will identify the roles of government policy and technological improvements in the settlement of the West, and explain their impact on Native Americans.

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Additional Questions and Discussions for Your Students

     Discuss with your class after viewing the Lincoln AR:

  • Why do you think Abraham Lincoln is famous?
  • Compare Abraham Lincoln’s height to yours. What is the difference?
  • How do communities use technology to connect to each other today?
  • If you were to select a route, what things would you need to take into consideration for the new route for the Transcontinental Railroad?

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