Why did the rail lines stop at the Missouri River?

Answer 1

The rail lines stopped at the Missouri River primarily due to the challenges posed by the river's width and the need for reliable crossing methods. Early infrastructure lacked the technology for constructing robust bridges over large rivers, making it difficult to extend railroads further. Additionally, the river served as a natural boundary, with significant logistical and economic considerations influencing the decision to halt rail expansion at that point. As technology advanced, bridges were eventually built to facilitate continued rail travel across the river.