The Iron Road
Railroads on the Frontier
The expansion of railroads was transformative, opening new possibilities and forever changing the frontier and transportation. This part of the museum highlights the impact of the railroads, focusing on:
Railroads as Drivers of Expansion – how they facilitated westward migration and fueled economic growth.
Laborers Who Built the Rail Lines – including immigrants who worked under challenging conditions to connect the country.
Economic Growth and New Towns – how railroads spurred the growth of communities and industries along the tracks.
Cultural Exchange Fostered by Connectivity – the ways railroads brought diverse groups together across the West.
Connecting America Coast to Coast
The railroads did more than transport goods; they connected people and created new opportunities. The museum allows visitors to trace the impact of the railroads, which linked isolated communities and enabled settlers to venture farther than ever before.
Building a Future on the Rails
With the arrival of the railroads came new people, ideas and industries that shaped the identity of the West. The museum captures the legacy of those who helped lay the tracks and the vibrant communities that flourished alongside them, highlighting the railroads’ role in building a stronger, more unified nation.
Stories of the Railroads Need a New Home
The Frontier Museum of the U.S. Army is dedicated to preserving the legacies of the railroads. By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire visitors to embrace the values of perseverance, independence and community that continue to define America today.