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jim bridger
There were a number of events that increased interest in a route to California. Probably the most important was the acquisition of California in the Mexican-American War, and the immediately following California Gold Rush. The Civil War added urgency to the transcontinental Railroad, and was very important as well.
The Gadsden Purchase which was made to facilitate a Railroad route to California.
This purchase was made to obtain a strip on land over which to build a trans-continental railroad to connect the rest of the US with California.
California Central Railroad ended in 1868.
California Central Railroad was created in 1857.
California Northern Railroad was created in 1993.
California Pacific Railroad was created in 1865.
California Pacific Railroad ended in 1898.
California Southern Railroad was created in 1880.
The Underground Railroad was a secret route that led slaves to freedom.
Across the continent?