HIST 211 A

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 Introduction

Economic and physical development of American land has an intuitive relationship with

railroad construction which has a great influence on shaping American economy and geography.

For others, nineteenth and twentieth-century railway expansion was a sign of progress,

coalescence, and economic development, which led to urbanization and westward migration. The

sophistication was also present behind this pretense of development. This scholarly investigation

aims to untangle the complex relationship between American railroading and land development

by addressing a fundamental question: Who was there to appreciate such subtleties. Within a

state movement generated by the wheel movements of a locomotive in a developing country. The

era reached its peak on the construction of the first transcontinental railroad which was complete

in 1869, allowing economic developments of different territories within a complicated web of

trade of goods, ideas and people.

The large size of United States had a major impact on railroads and the land

development. Some of the strategic decisions that were made concerning extending railroads in

this large and diverse nation encompassed terrain from grasslands to high mountains. Another

test made by Hafer demonstrates how railways crossed with the problems associated with

topography. Therefore, one cannot look at the development of the transcontinental railways in the

19th century as just a technical issue, but rather a contingent answer to the danger posed by land

barriers to economic affairs. Railways allowed transportation of goods between East-coast and

west-coast for the movement of commodities, people and ideas to other parts. Settlement

occurred i1n these sites due to connections to local markets via the railways line. Railroad

expansion facilitated economic development and urbanization although is was not without its

1
Hafer, 25

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costs. These created landscapes by railways pushed away indigenous community, farmers, and

native habitat.

The latter constitutes Rowedder’s paper on Chinese railways economics effects at the

Laos borders. This is a very interesting perspective focusing on Laos situation, but with some

broader implications concerning the USA. There will, however, be no story of how that US was

built without including the building of railroads. However, it is important noting that line

networks across2 Europe had already been established that would later link the eastern and

western side thus boosting trade and prosperity in the empire. This goes a long way to show how

crucial railroading is for Americans. Construction of the specific sites were mainly influenced by

terrain, availability and location of minerals, besides economic related matters.

Understanding the different views people are having about how the American railroad

industry was involved in land development is necessary for examining multi-sidedness relations

surrounding American railroading. The work of Guang Tian and Tara Tolford, as presented in

their article "Users' Willingness to Ride an Intercity Passenger Rail: In the case study, “A Case

Study from Louisiana,” user perspectives on passenger rail are discussed. Through extrapolation

by means of a case study, it is possible to understand various stakeholder perspectives that are

used to paint a picture of whom has been “robbed” into the American context more broadly3.

Different stakeholders who participated in American Railroading and Land Development have

different interests, challenges to be solved, and expectations. However, Tian and Tolford's

emphasis on user disposition for intercity passenger rail furnishes an approach around which

community relations and transport infrastructures can be examined.

2
Rowedder, 152
3
Guang, 80

2
 A complete review should be done on different points of view of key stakeholders

pertaining to the complicated connection between US railroading and land development. The

contributors of “The Routledge Compass to Accounting History”, Dale L. Flesher and Gary J.

Previts in the Railroads chapter, provide valuable perspectives that can assist in comprehending a

variety stakeholder in this complex web. The purpose of this analysis is to know, especially the

stakeholders to take into consideration, the people who were cheated in the course of American

railroading and land development4. In this sense, stakeholders in relation to railroads and land

development include governments, corporations, local communities and green activists. Through

the work of Flesher and Previts, it is possible for us to see how these stakeholders interact in a

very complicated manner. Railroads and land development in the United States has always been

influenced greatly by government entities.

In order to weigh in on any progressiveness related concerns such as environmental

damages and sustainability with regards to American railroads and land settlements should we be

asking ourselves who have paid for this cost? Simon Rowedder's work5, "Railroading land-linked

Laos: It also important to think of the parallels that happened with regard to the expenditures of

Lao's home-country and earnings of some Chinese regions. Long term environmental legacy

associated with the growth and expansion of American Railroads. As a result, they made tracks

cutting through unspoiled landscapes changing nature on various levels including destruction of

forests, disruption of habitats and alteration of waterways. Railroads also spread all over and

disrupted habitats in certain areas leading to the fragmentation of ecosystems. Notably, it

emerged that fragile habitats experienced immense damage when construction expanded in a

4
Flesher, 443
5
Rowedder, 153

3
manner contradicting flowers and birds. In addition, industrialization brought about

environmental challenges associated with the rail.

Rik W. Hafers book, “Railroads and the development of fish culture in the US,” examines

how the multiple aspects involved in the railroads, land development and culture shaped the

American experience. In particular, this exploration is crucial in considering those who gained

and possibly even those who were “had for a ride” amidst the complexity of American railroads.

The land development and the railroads expanded across the extensive territory of America,

which is one of important circumstances of this country's emergence as a global economic

powerhouse. Crossing the country with a network of the railroad, they brought about reforms

binding one area with another and transported people, products, the information. Here lies the

contribution of Hafer6's analysis of the geographic environment within which the growth of the

first railways took place, affected settlement configurations, land usage, and economics in

general. The contribution by the rails to land development was great, extending from the

desolated lands in the West to the verdant plain, that is, Midwest.

American railroads have been significantly influenced by government regulations and

this contributed greatly to developing the country's geography and economy7. Therefore, this

article analyzes Dale L. Flesher and Gary J. Previts's chapter “Railroads” in The Routledge

companion to accounting history (2020) discusses on how government intervention affected

American railroading and finally American land developing. The growth of American railroading

at this time was largely supported by the government. As such, the federal government realized

that railroads were necessary for economic growth to expand westwards, and it provided land

6
Hafer, 27
7
Flesher, 444

4
grants, subsidies, and stimuli in this regard8. The government availed this support in expediting

the construction of railroads which united remote parts of the country and aided in transport of

goods and people. As the power of rails spread out, the necessity for governing became apparent

too. Flesher and Previts most probably dig into the regulatory terrain analyzing how the

government tried to strike the right balance by facilitating development while discouraging

excessive market power.

The interaction between the government, regulation, and development of American

railroads has been significant toward building our nation's transportations system and land use.

This analysis delves into the book by Tian and Tolford, titled "Users' Willingness to Ride an

Intercity Passenger Rail: Therefore, in Louisiana, to explore the details on how government

policies have affected the railroad industry and the consequent land development a case study

called “A Case Study from Louisiana” will be used. Government policies in history have greatly

impacted operation of the American railroad system9. The government, since the passage of the

Pacific Railway Act of 1862 that led to the creation of the First Transcontinental Railroad, until

the establishment of Amtrak in 1971, has played an important part in promoting and overseeing

railroad development. Tian and Tolford's case study from Louisiana is probably about the

modern influences from the government that prompted rail passengers to adopt this culture. It is

two-edged sword for American railroads. On the other hand, regulations promote safety,

efficiency, and fair competition. However, too many or outdated regulations may choke

innovation and growth.

8
Flesher 445
9
Guang 81

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 Railroad development was essential for creating economic scene that the country

experienced during the19th and early 20th century. Railroads by Flesher 10and Previts, probably

explores the intimate link that existed between spreading of railway lines and its repercussions

on land utilization. The two parties involved in this phase were those that profited and those who

encountered problems. The newly acquired mobility promoted economic progress through

enabling movement of building blocks, final goods, and human resource; it thus fostered many

sectors. It is noted that railroads significantly contributed to the urbanization of America.

Railroads enhanced mobility providing accessibility that drove on urbanization thus shaping

urban centers, positioning and development of cities.

The relationship between land development and railroad building is probably one of the

most important factors impacting America’s economy over the past one hundred years. The

intricate linkage between these two domains has generated a lot of controversy and growth. By

using the case study from Tian and Tolford's work, "Users’ Willingness to Ride an Intercity

Passenger Rail: This study is used as a microscope to explore the bigger picture regarding the

economic effects resulting from railway construction in Louisiana11 entitled “A Case Study from

Louisiana.” Railroads have played a part in the buildup of America’s industrial development

throughout history. They facilitated the movement of goods, people, and thoughts into other far-

off places that sped up the process of industrialization. Expansion of rail network led to

discovery of more land thereby transforming rural places to commercial centres with fertile

lands.

The railroad land development is a tangled story that interfered with economic,

environmental and social aspect of the American state. Rik W. Hafer’s work ‘Railroads and the
10
Flesher 446
11
Guang, 83

6
Development of Fish Culture in the United States’ is an excellent opportunity to look at these

relationships from different angles. Executives saw in themselves the best opportunities of any

kind that could derive from railroad expansion in America12. For the purpose or interconnecting

industry with market, it was the railway that provided the rule of good of transport. They looked

at building cities along the railroad lines as a chance that could not go by. Nevertheless, railroads

became more and more concerned with environmental issues, including Hafer’s study of fish

culture development. However, environmentalists and conservationists regarded it as an

undesirable change. Hafer in his detailed account, illustrates the negative impacts of fish culture

as it grows and spreads in an aquatic environment.

There have been continuous land development trends associated with railroad lines at all

times. Railways were also important factors in stimulating the birth of cities and towns around

them as this enabled easy access to transport hence development of various industry such as

tourism in these areas. “Railroad Effect” is a term usually used in reference to this phenomenon

which has influenced urbanization, made of commerce, and altered property appraisals 13. A

portrayal of the relationship between users and intercity passenger rail is provided through a case

study conducted in Louisiana. At the same time there is no lack of debate around the economic

effects. Sometimes, railroad development has attracted criticism as favoring one population over

another. It is possible to investigate how rail projects can affect various socioeconomic groups

including concerns over accessibility, affordability, and fairness through the use of a case study.

Further, the environmental implication of expanding the railroads is also important, where

questions of sustainability and conservation are asked.

12
Hafer, 29
13
Guang 85

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 American railroading and land development are characterized by a fusion of

governmental interference and control; this has been crucial in determining the nation’s

infrastructure and its economy. This section explores the dynamics behind the same and draws

inspiration from other literatures that have looked at similar matters like Rowedder’s work on

railroading in Laos. The development of the railroads system in the US revolutionized the

country during the nineteenth and twenties. This involved the support of government with

subsidies for land grants and regulatory systems meant to promote the expansion of rails

throughout the western territories14. This was designed to link remote areas, encourage trade, and

promote economic development. Land grants are one of the important means by which the

government affected railroading and land development. Vast tracts of lands were given as an

incentive to railroad companies who would build and run rail lines. It promoted the growth of

railway line as well as altered the pattern of land usage and ultimately affected indigenous

peoples’ lifestyles and ecological systems.

The story of American railroading is inseparable from the story of nation’s growth and

development. The crucial point in the expansion of the railroads involves relationships between

governance and regulations and their impacts on land improvement15. "Users’ Willingness to

Ride an Intercity Passenger Rail: The intricacies surrounding this relationship is explored in a

case study titled “A Case Study From Louisiana” by Guang Tian and Tara Tolford. This article

analyzes how government policies are related with land use and the issue of what interest is

served by those land uses and whether it comes with profits for some and losses for others?

American railroad history has always been connected with government decisions providing for

expansion, cohesion and prosperity.16 The government involvement encompassed subsidies for
14
Rowedder, 155
15
Guang, 87
16
Guang, 90

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the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, regulation through the Transportation Act of 1940, and

promotion through the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. The initial influences paved way for the

expansion of railways; joining cities together and propelling economic advancement.

Measures were very much influential as a result of government involvement on things

related with railroads and lands distribution. Railroads were crucial for communities which relied

on long-distance transportation of goods and people. However, railroad companies held

economic and land power hence there was an outcry on the concepts surrounding fair share and

equality. As this research article looks back at the United States ‘railroad-focused national

economy, it offers some considerations for today’s discussions regarding infrastructure,

sustainable managing natural resources, and region development globally17. In addition, some of

the latest undertakings seek to strike a balance between economic growth and environment as

well as justice/fairness, which means that connection between government, industry and the

public is dynamic. The American land development and railroading over the years has been

greatly influenced and regulated by the government with some successes, but continued

struggles. Recognizing this legacy is imperative in dealing with current and developing modern

infrastructure system of the country while bringing equitable economic development for

everyone.

The Interstate Commerce Act was an important turning point in that this was added as

one of the regulatory measures for looking into abuses by the cartels with regard to pricing. With

the passage of time, changes in the regulatory environment forced the government to reshape the

railroad sector. This resulted to a change in the trends of land utilization and development. This

arrangement depended on how railways crossed through cityscapes, zoning, urban plans, and

17
Rowedder, 157

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infrastructural investment. The modern outlook of this persistent tug of war between different

federal judicial decisions, railway operation and real estate construction is discussed by the

research of Tian & Tolford in Louisiana18. Therefore, this paper deals with the question of

travelers’ preparedness to take advantage of long-distance railroad in order to make an

assessment about future development tendencies in the area. This analysis is vital because it

involves the various stakeholders who are subjected to the decisions of the government

concerning railway and land administration. However, while these policies may strive to promote

interaction and economic growth, there is a need for scrutiny on who exactly reaps the benefits.

As noted by Kostiner and Schermerhorn, Railroading America has been intertwined with

American landscape for almost one century. Interrelations between railroads and fish culture

development in the US are so complex, which this intriguing article” Railroads and the

development of Fish Culture in the United State” authored by Rik W19. Hafer brings forward

many facets, including the ones described below It explores the societal and environmental

impacts and asks if anyone was deceived in the change journey. It was through railroads that

brought together distant locations helped shape economy in making desert areas hustling

commercial centers. However, it came with social effects of which they were experienced in

different communities along the tracks. Nevertheless, it led to economic growth, urbanism, and

cultural interactions with foreigners. Nevertheless, these improvements resulted into movement

of the surrounding communities; change in cultural hierarchy, and even inter-tribal wars over

possession of the land.

The American railroads have been characterized by a complex mix of governmental

powers legislating in conjunction with influential forces and their effects have proven extremely
18
Guang, 93
19
Hafer, 31

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consequential to the United States’ transport networks as well as land structures. This book

“Railroads”, by Dallas L. Flesher and Gary J. Previts deals with this complicated relationship

between federal laws and the railroad. In addition, it traces on how various other groups were

adversely affected during these transitional years20. As such, this paper discusses the Flesher and

Previtus’s central thoughts about the United States railway and land progressions and the who

made a profit through control systems. Further, Flesher and Previts might consider the creation

of the policy frameworks of the United States, which aided in the growth of American Railways.

In addition, the government may provide aid in form of payment for some land to ease a

construction and operation of new railroad system. =flv Railroads could have been another

reason why the government decided to provide financial support because they played a

significant role in the development of settlements.

The intricate relationship between railroading, land development, and their consequential

impact on society and the environment unfolds a complex narrative, particularly when exploring

cases like the one documented by Simon Rowedder in his work, "Railroading land-linked Laos:

“China’s Regional Profits/Laos Domestic Costs?” appearing in the journal Eurasian Geography

and Economics21. Such exploration examines the consequences of America’s railroad and land

development in Laos, unveiling who really pays for this transformation. Progress or the risk of

social turmoil are common with every attempt to modernize, and hence American railroads are

no exception. Rowedder’s study on Laos seems to suggest that China may have earned its

regional profit at the expense of Laos’ national welfare. The creation of railways will move or

relocate a community, interrupting familiar patterns and causing social alienation 22. Moreover, as

a result of external investments as well as improved transport networks may be some economic
20
Flesher, 447
21
Rowedder, 159
22
Rowedder, 161

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imbalances whereby the region will favour other stakeholder’s externally and worsen already

existing social disparities within the region.

Rail operations also affected numerous people whose livelihoods revolved around the

fishing industry as many fishermen were unable to get their caught products to market without

sufficient transportation by the rail. This led to drastic societal changes on fishing, and some

individuals gained while others lost out. Railroad development led the different regions to unite

together towards economic prosperity and transformed some wilderness areas into trading

centers23. It was a costly affair to the immediate neighborhood with both positive and negative

aspects emanating from the railway lines traversing the area. This was a double-edged sword

though, since it brought about economic opportunities, fast pace urbanization, culture exchange

among others. Nevertheless, these steps led to disenfranchisement of initial populations, social

instability, and fights over land rights. Additionally, Hafer mentioned another socioeconomic

impact of fish farming as it grew. For instance, there were good and bad days for fishing, yet it

impacted socially because railways were closely linked with fishing.

The relationship between railroad industry and land development have forever impacted

American society and environment. A special insight into how railways, development of land and

its results for both society and nature can help us to examine Rik W. Hafer’s work “Railroads and

the development of fish culture in US”. Railroads, which emerged in the US, ushered into a

transformation that boosted economic development, prompting urbanization and western

expansion. As the iron horse went into new lands, it usually displaced indigenous populations

and changed the natural habitat24. This had implications on different segments of the society in
23
Rik, 33
24
Hafer, 35

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the country. Railroads came into being in America and the ensuing changes transformed the

economy, urban development, as well as westward expansion. Nevertheless, when the iron horse

was moving through new areas, this commonly meant expropriation of indigenous communities

and disturbance of the environment. Railroads were a source of dislocation for many

communities that had their lands cut across and passed on through the Native American

population.

Consequently, Hafer’s analysis of the linkage between rails and fish makes it more

captivating. The railroads also helped to transport these fish products to other areas. This resulted

into the development of fish culture practices in parts of USA and also influenced fish keeping

history. Economically beneficial actions undertaken in nature ecosystems must be thought on

carefully, in light of which they have environment implications25. Railroads disrupted local

vegetation and wildlife. Moreover, they destroyed some habitats. Currently, the challenge has

been for the existing conservation efforts is to contend with such interruptions. Such a situation

demonstrates a conflict between man-made and nature preservation, stimulating us to reflect on

whether these choices proved sustainable or not. The railroad and land development, an intricate

fabric of advancement and hardships of American story. Rik W. Hafer has written a piece of

work that may be useful in guiding us.

Conclusion

Lastly, with respect to the role of the American railroads on the natural scene and

community living at large, it is imperative to note the detailed connection that exists between

them. This chaotic period clearly showed once and for all that fair trade did not exist in general.

Railroad expansion opened distant places creating new towns and cities. Expansion created

25
Rik, 40

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separate regional connections that formed urbanization towards growth. Nevertheless, such gains

were made very dear from time to time taken from tribal people, peasants, or others who had

been displaced by seizures or developments. The complexity demonstrates that we should

examine how the railroad expansion and land development interrelate. Therefore, in my opinion,

we should acknowledge and respect the damage that has been done to certain groups and

consider the interests of everyone so as to ensure their welfare in the course of development

initiatives.

References

Flesher, Dale L., and Gary J. Previts. "Railroads." In The Routledge companion to accounting

history, pp. 443-465. Routledge, 2020.

Hafer, Rik W. "Railroads and the Development of Fish Culture in the United States." Available at

Rowedder, Simon. "Railroading land-linked Laos: China’s regional profits, Laos’ domestic

costs?" Eurasian Geography and Economics 61, no. 2 (2020): 152-161.

Tian, Guang, and Tara Tolford. "Users’ Willingness to Ride an Intercity Passenger Rail: A Case

Study from Louisiana." Public Works Management & Policy (2023): 1087724X231185493.

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