What were railroads?

Answer 1

During the US Civil War (1861-1865) the railroads on both sides kept the troops supplied with weapons, food, and ammunition.

After the war railroads opened up the west to expansion to those who wanted to move or visit.

Later the railroad went on to provide transportation of raw product, finished product, and people from one location to another.

Answer 2

Railroad were and are companies, backed by investors, that have placed a lot of money into roads made of steel on land known as right-of-way, large engines that pull heavy load known as locomotives, and large containers on wheels that carry heavy items known as cars.

With the promise of cheap/free land in the US, they opened up the west to expansion and development.

Their goal is to provide a service to their customer at a fair price, haul product from one place to another, and to make a good return on their investment for the people who have placed there money in the railroad company.