Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by Colby Droscher
The Transcontinental Railroad is an undeniably massive achievement throughout the entirety of American history. It symbolizes the unwavering pursuit of progress and connectivity that define a nation. The railroad itself was built in the 19th century, and it is an engineering marvel that not only transformed the landscape of the United States but also helped shape the social and economic fabric of the country.
This collection of photos can serve as a powerful reminder of some of the various moments that portray the Transcontinental Railroad’s colorful history. Take a step back in time and lose yourself in the magical snapshots of the widely renowned Transcontinental Railroad.
1. It was a time of rapid innovation, indeed.
The days building the Transcontinental Railroad must’ve felt endless at times.
2. Wouldn’t want to fall off of that
Seriously, I get shaky just looking at it.
3. People are posted up.
You had to put in a full day’s work all the time back then.
4. Hopefully, nobody was afraid of heights.
And if you were, then well, tough luck, indeed.
5. Now that’s an excited crowd.
Everyone seems genuinely thrilled.
6. Some of those corners look quite treacherous
Seriously, I’d be hanging on for dear life with some of those corners.
7. One of the more stunning shots of the Transcontinental Railroad right here
Anyone fancy a dip in the water?
8. Those trains could really get moving back then
Yeah, and once they stopped, they were hard to stop.
9. Wouldn’t want to get in the way of this bad boy
You had to be extra careful around the railroads during that time.
10. Love the horse-drawn carriages too
What a way to show up to your scheduled train ride.
11. Everyone was always ready to pose for the shot
And it’s shots like these that please the most critical of history buffs.
12. A Native American looking over the completed Transcontinental Railroad in Sacramento, California, circa 1867
One wonders what was going through their head at the time.
For more detailed historical records and firsthand accounts, visit the Library of Congress archive on the Transcontinental Railroad.
13. Those were long days working out on the Transcontinental Railroad
Seriously, it’s hard to even fathom.
14. If you look closely, you can see the guys below the train, too
Almost missed them, but a closer look shows some guys who are fully committed to the gig.
15. Much more work to be done at this point
Still though, what a stunning shot of an epic railroad in progress.
16. Their eyes tell stories of wild times out on the Transcontinental Railroad
These guys have some tales to tell. No doubt about that.
17. You could never have too much wood when constructing the Transcontinental Railroad
Wood was always in demand.
18. Practically looking open for business here
Practically, but definitely not all the way there yet.
Want more glimpses into America’s early infrastructure and frontier life?
Explore 30 Vintage Photos Showing Life on the American Frontier (1860–1920), witness a changing era in 17 Photos From The Last Days of the Wild West (1880–1910), or see how city life looked in 17 Striking Photos of New York’s Five Points Slum (1880s–1900s).
