The growth of the Industrial Revolution depended on the ability to transport raw materials and finished goods over long distances. There were three main types of transportation that increased during the Industrial Revolution: waterways, roads, and railroads. Transportation was important because people were starting to live in the West. During this time period, transportation via water was the cheapest way to move heavy products (such as coal and iron). As a result, canals were widened and deepened to allow more boats to pass. Robert Fulton made the first steam-powered engine to power a steamboat, and in 1807 he demonstrated its use by going from New York City to Albany via the Hudson River. His steamboat was able to carry raw materials across the Atlantic Ocean by the mid 1800's. The roads also improved immensely during this time period. Previously, people traveled using animals or by foot, but there were many problems with the conditions of the roads. In 1751, turnpikes were created for easier transportation, especially for the horse-drawn wagons. John Loudon McAdam made "macadam" road surfaces which consisted of crushed rock in thin layers. Thomas Telford made new foundations in roads with large flat stones. Soon after, roads across America were improved based on these techniques. The closest to trains were horses, commonly used to pull freight cars along rails. In 1801, Richard Trevithick made the first steam locomotive. These improvements on waterways, roads, and railroads all made traveling safer, and it allowed goods to be moved more efficiently.
In 1769, James Watt produced the first efficient steam engine. It was only a matter of time until his invention was put to use as a power source for transporting goods. River boats in the 1800s used steam power; however it was the steam locomotive that truly revolutionized transportation.
Up until now, railroad tracks were rarely used to travel long distances. Canals and rivers were usually used to transport heavy goods. Unfortunately, rivers didn't always flow past the areas where goods were needed, and canals were expensive to dig. They were also useless in the winter when the water froze. The advent of railroads made goods transportable anywhere for a price that was more affordable.
In 1928, John Stephenson made the first effective steam locomotive called the "Rocket."" Upon his success, the railroad boom erupted across Europe and the United States. This was especially important in the United States because it spanned a large distance (geographically). By 1840, the United States had over 3,000 miles of railroad tracks. The use of railroads created an unprecedented demand for coal and fuel for the locomotives, and iron to make the tracks. Engineers were needed to build bridges, dig tunnels, and plan routes.
There were many companies that built and operated the railways. Some were profitable, but most endured a financial struggle. To start, companies simply operated a single railway line between two locations. However as time passed, large railway lines bought out smaller ones, and huge railway companies grew in the process.
Early American railway building was concentrated only in the northeast and midwest. People felt it would be best if there was a way to connect east and west coasts. Many companies set proposals, and the different routes were discussed at length (and argued upon). Finally in 1864, construction began: the Central Pacific line built east (from Sacramento, California) while the Union Pacific line was built west (from Omaha, Nebraska). In 1869 all lines met and the United States had a coast-to-coast railway service.
The cities that were near the railroads prospered economically; whereas the further cities struggled to survive. Railroads became important for transporting commuters who worked in the city. Factories benefitted as raw materials were brought in at reduced prices, and the finished products were daily shipped to their destinations.
Eventually longer-lasting steel rails replaced those made of iron or wood. Locomotives became more efficient over time; especially when electric and diesel ones replace the steam ones. In addition, more railroads were built, making its usage even more valuable.